Mark 1:21-28

By the time we reach Mark1:21, Jesus has been baptized, commissioned by the Father through the Holy Spirit, tempted in the desert, and called his first disciples. Now, he takes the disciples to Capernaum to teach in the synagogue. The people were amazed at his teaching--it must have been exciting to hear Jesus preach and teach. Here was this "ordinary" man--a carpenter's son--who was speaking with such confidence and authority--not in a manner of the teachers of the law, but of his own authority.

As if his speaking style and winsome way were not enough, a man posessed by an evil spirit approached Jesus. The spirit recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and pronounced him as the Holy One of God, as well as questioned what Jesus would want of him.

Jesus commanded the evil spirit to be quiet and come out of the man. The spirit obeyed, violently, shaking the man he had inhabited. The people continued in their amazement, even more so after witnessing this miracle, the first recorded in Mark.

If evil spirits recognize Jesus as God's Holy one, shouldn't we do so even more? If those who first listened to him speak and preach were amazed at his teaching, shouldn't we listen carefully to his recorded words in Scripture?

Lord, help me to seek your holiness. Help me listen to your word, and follow your teaching. And, as news about you spread over Galilee in this text, help me to spread your love and teaching to everyone I encounter. Amen.






- posted by Suzi @ 7:47 AM