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58. Friendly Territory


Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37
Key Verse:  The people were amazed at his teaching, because He taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 
Mark 1:22

It was another Sabbath.  Jesus had left his own home town after his bad reception and returned to the home of his fishermen disciples, where he was better received, where the people were amazed by His authority. 

Of course Jesus had authority.  It was His law to begin with!!  He knew what He meant when He spoke all of creation, and its rules into existence at the beginning.  He knew what He meant and He knew how to use what He knew to bless and not just curse the people with more behavioral codes that would weigh them down even more. 

Even satan knew the difference.  How long had that man attended synagogue, week after week, while the demons within tormented him, feeling unthreatened by the authority of man.  Had the others around him even known of his struggle?  Man, by himself, is powerless to truly heal the hurting soul. 

Jesus loved this man.  He had created him for a purpose and that purpose wasn't to simply be tormented all of his life by demons.  Jesus had created him and Jesus loved him. 

In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul tells us that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  Knowing isn't everything.  The teachers in the synagogue may have known the law, but they didn't truly understand how to apply it, especially with love toward their fellow man. 

Jesus was different.  He used His knowledge, mixed with His love, to have an effect on that possessed man.  Jesus claimed the authority over that man's life.  The demon, a created being himself, had to respect it, and leave. 

The people recognized this miracle immediately, not as a magic act or a trick, but as proof of Jesus’ authority over life itself.  A new ruler had come!  He taught with understanding and He came out from behind his scroll to care.  How could they keep such good news quiet!  "And the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding area." (Luke 4:37) The real thing has come!!

Hymn: "All Hail the Power Of Jesus' Name" (More Traditional)
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"  (More fun)

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