When
Jesus comes on the scene, something new happens. Our hope, our longing for
change, takes on a different shape. Hurting people, sinful temptations, human
brokenness, and disease are confronted with authority.
The
people in this story recognized Jesus’ authority in regard to two specific
things: his teaching and his power over impure spirits (demons). There was
something about Jesus that made him different from the other religious teachers
of his day. In fact, this is the first thing mentioned in Mark’s gospel about
Jesus’ public ministry: it was a ministry of authority.
We often
long to witness the authority of Christ confronting diseases, financial
hardships, broken friendships, and injustices of all kinds today. But we do not
pause as often to consider the spiritual dimensions of our suffering. The
apostle Paul reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood”
(Ephesians 6:12). Rather, we contend with demonic powers that want us to think
that our circumstances, not our hearts, are the problem.
It’s
worth noting that Jesus’ teaching, not just his healing, triggered a reaction
from the crowds. But “being amazed,” by itself, is not a response to authority.
Jesus’ teaching demands either submission or rebellion. He calls us to bring
our hurts, our diseases, and our hearts under his authority. How will you
respond?
Prayer
Jesus,
you rule over all things by your Word and Spirit. Enter our lives with your
authority today, we pray. Amen.
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