Mark 1:21-28 A Teaching for Teachers

First Things: Devotions in Mark’s Gospel

Mark 1:21-28 A Teaching for Teachers

Mark 1:21   They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. ²² They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. ²³ Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, ²⁴ saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” ²⁵ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” ²⁶ Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. ²⁷ They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” ²⁸ Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

Jesus taught not like the teachers. Perhaps this is a teaching for teachers.

The scribes would teach the people from the Law. They would rehearse the opinions of this rabbi and another. They would delineate the “if, then’s” of how this would apply (or not apply) in all kinds of special situations. But Jesus taught “as one having authority.” He taught as though He were were speaking for God; as though He knew the Word of God and thus the will of God. He was Lord, not only of the Sabbath, but Lord of the lesson. He is Lord of the commentaries, and the 15 views on divorce or end times. And He was able to put those things aside, and simply speak the truth.

Now teachers today are not Jesus, and we should not be confused about that. Jesus was and is the Son of God. We are not. But we are charged to speak the truth of God as ambassadors - giving the message with authority and not merely discussing interpretations and theories. What does God say? Say it.

Somehow in this synagogue they went and let in “a man with an unclean spirit.” Someone wasn’t doing their job. Though we might have to admit that this may be the case in every single congregation with which you have ever worshipped. The point here is that the spirit knew who Jesus was: “the Holy One of God.” Here is a second point of application for teachers: when you speak, do people know who Jesus is? Is His identity unmistakeable? There seems to be something seriously wrong if the demons get it, and the people who come to worship leave confused. We are not to be found merely talking about social justice and good works and a good man who said interesting things. This is Jesus. He is like no other. He stands alone, above all else. Is that clear?

And then the power. Again, we are not miracle-workers, and yet, His Word is to be attended with power. We may not cast out unclean spirits, but we should witness the Word changing lives. If the power of the Word is missing, then we should be on our knees seeking God’s help (as we should be in any case). It would seem that somehow the iron has been mixed with clay; that the gold is in need of being tried by fire so that it can be purified. We can be sure there is nothing wrong with the Word. God help the messenger; protect his life and his tongue. God help the congregation; open their hearts and minds. Let your Word ring true and clear.