Who Is This Man?

Bible Passage: Mark 1:21-34

In Mark’s gospel, we are presented with a fast moving account of the things that Jesus said and did, that are designed to help us answer the question ‘who is this man.’ Mark sets his stall out in verse 1 with a clear claim that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and then he sets out to show how he came to this conclusion. This passage contains some of the earliest moments of the public ministry of Jesus, and they are compiled in this way to show the reader that Jesus has unparalleled authority over every part of life. he is the one with total authority: in His Word, over the spiritual realm, and over sickness, and we are to respond to him wwith trust, awe, and openness to His power.

Teaching Authority (v21-22): The passage begins with Jesus teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath day. We know that Capernaum was a prominent city near where Jesus grew up, and it became an important base for his ministry, so it is not surprising that he was given opportunities to teach in their public gatherings. What is more surprising though is the nature of his teaching. In verse 22, this is contrasted with the ‘teachers of the law’, who people were used to hearing. The contrast is not so much about style but substance. Their teaching would often quote ‘authorities’ but Jesus was the authority, and in this way the Word he spoke was directly relevant to those hearing with fresh insight that showed how God’s truth impacted their lives. Moreover, the teaching was accompanied with spiritual power to prompt respond and bring about the effect that the word was sent out for in the first place (see Isaiah 55:10-11). When people heard Jesus speak like this it had a profound impact on them, and they were amazed at what they were hearing. This teaching was the first component in people seeing that Jesus was something more than any other preacher.

Spiritual Authority (v23-28): Whilst Jesus was teaching, his sermon was interrupted by a man who was possessed by an impure spirit, who cried out. Fascinatingly, the evil Spirit knew exactly who Jesus was, way earlier than any of the people around had got a handle on it. Such an interruption would no doubt throw many preachers, but Jesus took things in his stride. and showed his authority in the situation. With just a word, Jesus commanded the Spirit to leave the man, and it did. The authority of Jesus was in more than just his teaching, but he possessed true spiritual authority that exceeded the authority of demonic powers. Seeing Jesus do this caused even greater amazement amongst those who witnessed it, and it is important as we think about Jesus today that we recognise he is the one who has every authority in the spiritual realm.

Healing Authority (v29-34): Having ministered in power publicly, Jesus then went back to the home of some of his friends, and was immediately presented with another need, this time out of the public view. Simon’s mother in law had a fever, and when Jesus heard about it he went to her and healed her. This shows another dimension to the authority of Jesus: his power over sickness. Furthermore, it shows that Jesus’ miraculous ministry was not confined to the public gathered setting, but also met with an individual in a moment of personal need. A fever is an ‘everyday’ kind of malady, and we see here that Jesus’ compassion and power is such that it is exactly the kind of situation that he brings healing into. Mark is showing that the authority of Jesus is not compartmentalised. Whether in the gathered people of God (synagogue), the spiritual realm, or the intimacy of a household, Jesus’ authority is consistent, compassionate, and uncontested. The result of this was many people hearing about him and being even more amazed, and crowds forming around Jesus to experience his own miraculous power in their own lives.

Potential Applications:

• The incidents recorded in this passage prompt us to ask ‘who is this man’. Challenge people to think about their own answer to this question, and how they respond to Jesus themselves.
• We have heard about the power of Jesus to heal and cast out evil spirits. You could offer a ministry response time where you offer to pray for healing or deliverance for any who need it.
• Christians today have the power of the Spirit to continue as witnesses and participants in the same things Jesus did. Seeing stories like this is a challenge to step out in power as we pray for the sick and speak the word with authority.