The Gospel of Mark: Unclean Spirit

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. ~ Mark 1:21-28


What does it say about tradition for Jesus' first act of public ministry?

His first act takes place in a synagogue. It would be like someone starting their ministry at our church - just showing up and beginning to teach with authority.

An authority that isn't like the usual teachers of that synagogue. That church...

Doesn't come from the tradition of the elders of the faith.

And on this sabbath day, not only is Jesus' authority identified, but so too is his identity. The Holy One of God.

And it isn't the scribes or the people who know it. Who say it.

It is the unclean spirits themselves.

For now, Jesus' identity is still secret from all except the supernatural. It will be awhile before a human acknowledges it.

But his authority is unmistakable. In the face of tradition, the people recognize a new tradition. A new teaching.

But is it really new? Or is it simply forgotten?


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Question:


Place this story in our own congregational context. What do you see? Who would be healed? How would we react with such a scene?

 

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