Healing and Authority: Demonstrating the Kingdom

Main Option: 1

Passage

Mark 1:21–28 ESV

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “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.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Mark 1:22 (ESV)

22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark 1:27 (ESV)

27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

Last week we talked about the new life we are offered by Jesus and His invitation to Follow Him

We discovered that this new Journey of Transformation required Leaving and Following

This week we see that this New Life includes New Authority. If you say yes to following Jesus, you say Yes to making Him your rabbi, your teacher, your master, your Lord.

Here in Mark 1:24–26 “24 “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.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.”

We see Jesus has authority over unseen realm

Mark 1:28 “28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”

He becomes famous in Galilee

Mark 1:29–33 “29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.”

Not only does Jesus have authority over the spiritual realm, but also over the physical realm - He has the power to heal.

Jesus wants to heal us not only of physical but of our spiritual needs

If that is true, how are we to respond?

The question isn’t whether or not God has authority - the question is do we submit to it?

God could force our obedience but doesn’t.

The word authority

ἐξουσία exousía, ex-oo-see'-ah; from G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:—authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Exo- to expel or export - to leave

Jesus has the ability to expel and export not just demons and diseases but obedience from His creation.

Why? B/c He has authority.

Mark 1:40 “40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.””

Main Option: 2

Felt need: lonely amidst the crowd

Solution: communion with God

Big idea: Loneliness isn’t solved simply by community but by communion first with God, then with His people.

Action: How do we cultivate communion with God? Prayer

Intro:

I spend a lot of time at social gatherings, hanging out with people, celebrating people, etc. In fact most of my schedule is filled with people. And yet if i’m honest, there is a craving within me for more, for depth.

Have you ever been in a room full of people and felt alone? Maybe that is you this morning. Maybe you have tons of friends, your super popular or extroverted and yet you don’t feel seen. You dont feel known. Rather alone.

In Genesis 1:26–27 “26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

God made us relational b/c at the core of His nature He is a relational being. Mention trinity. Mention the primary goal of the Garden of Eden and the gospel is deep/restored relationship with Jesus.

If he made us relational, and we long for it, what do we then do about it? What’s the solution?

Ping pong balls

superficial means of common interest

Just because you belong to a particular community does not then mean you experience depth of relationship

community requires a deeper level of sharing not just of hobbies and schedule/calendar but of life

requires a sharing of emotions, thoughts, heart

You’re best friend is probably such because of the depth at which you share life together

Jesus longs to share life with you at a deep and profound level

New life

New Authority

If we are to respond to his invitation in vs 17 to follow Him, we must ask, where is He going?

Passage

Mark 1:35–45 ESV

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. 40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

Surrounded by ppl/crowded

It’s interesting Mark 1:37 “37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.””

Jesus was surrounded by people. Everyone wanted to be around Him.

Just before this passage Mark 1:32 “32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons.”

Mark 1:33 “33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.”

Mark 1:34 “34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.”

what did Jesus do? How did he respond?

Mark 1:35 “35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Mark 1:35 NLT

35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Mark 1:35 ESV

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

As i read this i asked why? Why did Jesus go to a soitary place? why was that what He sought.

As a dad, i get it, i was like maybe he just wanted some silence.

As a someone who has occasionally felt alone at times, i wondered did he leave cuz he felt lonely?

Jesus sought to be alone but not because He was lonley.

In fact, there was only one time He was truly lonely.

why would Jesus seek solitude? Is it because He’s introverted? Is it because he was overwhelmed by all the people?

Matthew 27:46 (ESV)

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Isaiah 59:2 ESV

2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Sin cuts off not only communication with God but communion with God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

So why did he seek a solitary and desolate place? to pray

Why was that His response? What is it about prayer that is so important to Jesus? He was God!

It’s interesting Mark 1:35 the word for desolate/isolated in Greek is:

erēmos (er'-ay-mos)

solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited

used of places

a desert, wilderness

deserted places, lonely regions

an uncultivated region fit for pasturage

used of persons

deserted by others

deprived of the aid and protection of others, especially of friends, acquaintances, kindred

I wonder if Jesus ever felt alone amidst the crowd? if He did, why would He seek solitude?

Being alone doesn’t equate to being lonely. Just as being with people doesn’t eliminate the feeling of loneliness.

So where was the power in being alone with God?

Big IDEA: Jesus realized that there is a difference between having community and communion.

Community: : the people with common interests living in a particular area (merrian-webster)

Examples: UNW students, UofM Students, Parents, Grandparents, Athletes etc these are things that create communities, having a common interest.

Problem: having something in common does not mean there is depth. Rather, it is very superficial. This is why we can have crowded lives, full of people and feel alone. We can share schedules and hobbies, but unless we share our life with one another, unless we share who we are with one another we will continue to feel alone.

Communion on the other hand is deeper.

Communion is not only something we had the opportunity to participate in together today, but it is something with deep meaning and power, the word communion comes from the Greek word Kiononia, which is the same word for Fellowship and indicates a DEEP SHARING.

Definition:

Strong’s Definitions (Strong’s Definitions Legend) κοινωνία koinōnía, koy-nohn-ee'-ah; from G2844; partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:—(to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship. Thayer's Greek Lexicon

KJV Translation Count — Total: 20x The KJV translates Strong's G2842 in the following manner: fellowship (12x), communion (4x), communication (1x), distribution (1x), contribution (1x), to communicate (1x). Outline of Biblical Usage fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse the share which one has in anything, participation intercourse, fellowship, intimacy the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship 1 Corinthians 11:24 “24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”” 1 Corinthians 11:25 “25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””

1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV

16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?

Communion is powerful because it is a physcial act/practice that is meant to remind us of the gospel

Death Burial & Resurrection - united with Christ

(I for sure won’t read all this, jus a few things here and there, it’s mostly for my reference.)

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Fellowship)

Koinonia was Paul’s favorite word to describe a believer’s relationship with the risen Lord and the benefits of salvation which come through Him. On the basis of faith, believers have fellowship with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). We share fellowship in the gospel (1 Cor. 9:23; Phil. 1:5). Paul probably meant that all believers participate together in the saving power and message of the good news. Believers also share together a fellowship with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14), which the apostle understood as a most important bond for unity in the life of the church (Phil. 2:1–4).

The tendency of many Christians to refer to the Lord’s Supper as “communion” is rooted in Paul’s use of the term koinonia in the context of his descriptions of the Lord’s Supper. He described the cup as “sharing in the blood of Christ,” and the bread as “sharing” of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16 HCSB). Paul did not explain precisely how such “sharing” takes place through the Supper. He emphatically believed the Supper tied participants closer to one another and to Christ. Such “sharing” could not be shared with Christ and with other gods or supernatural beings. Thus Paul forbad his readers from partaking in pagan religious meals, which would result in sharing “fellowship” with evil, supernatural forces or demons (1 Cor. 10:19–21).

Immediately after Paul spoke of “fellowship” with Christ through participation in the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10:16), he said, “Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body” (1 Cor. 10:17 HCSB). This illustrates clearly Paul’s belief that fellowship with Christ was to issue into fellowship between believers. Once we grasp this, it is easy to understand why Paul was so angry over the mockery that the Corinthians were making of the Lord’s Supper. While claiming to partake of this sacred meal, many Corinthian Christians ignored the needs of their brothers and sisters and actually created factions and divisions (1 Cor. 11:17–18), “For in eating, each of you takes his own supper ahead of others, and one person is hungry while another is drunk!” (1 Cor. 11:21 HCSB). Because the “fellowship” among the Corinthians themselves was so perverted, Paul could go so far as to say “when you come together in one place, it is not really to eat the Lord’s Supper” (1 Cor. 11:20 HCSB).

Koinonia with the Lord results not only in sharing His benefits (the gospel and the Holy Spirit), but also sharing His sufferings (Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24). These texts express clearly just how intimate was Paul’s perception of the close relationship between the believer and the Lord. The pattern of self-sacrifice and humility, demonstrated most profoundly through Jesus’ suffering on the cross (Phil. 2:5–8), is to mark the current life of the disciple. Just as Jesus gave so completely of Himself for the sake of His people, so, too, are believers to give completely of themselves for the sake of the people of God (2 Cor. 4:7–12; Col. 1:24). The pattern of following Christ in suffering continues for the believer, in that just as Christ entered into glory following His suffering (Phil. 2:9–11), so, too, will the believer in the future share in the glory of Christ if “we suffer with Him” (Rom. 8:17 HCSB; cp. Phil. 3:10–11).

Paul believed that Christians were to share with one another what they had to offer to assist fellow believers. Paul used the koin-stem to refer to such sharing. One who has received the word ought to “share” it with others (Gal. 6:6). Though it is not translated “fellowship” in English versions, Paul actually used the term koinonia to denote the financial contribution which he was collecting from Gentile believers to take to Jerusalem for the relief of the saints who lived there (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13). The reason he could refer to a financial gift as koinonia is explained by Rom. 15:27: “For if the Gentiles have shared in their [the Jewish Christians’] spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs” (HCSB). In this case, each offered what they were able to offer to benefit others: Jewish Christians their spiritual blessings, Gentile Christians their material blessings. Such mutual sharing of one’s blessings is a clear and profound expression of Christian fellowship.

Finally, for Paul, koinonia was a most appropriate term to describe the unity and bonding that exists between Christians by virtue of the fact that they share together in the grace of the gospel. When Paul wished to express the essential oneness of the apostolic leadership of the church he said concerning James, the Lord’s brother, Peter, and John, that they “gave the right hand of fellowship to me” (Gal. 2:9 HCSB). When we realize that this expression of koinonia came on the heels of one of the most hotly debated issues in the early church, namely the status of Gentiles in the people of God (Gal. 2:1–10; Acts 15), we can see how powerful and all encompassing Paul’s notion of Christian fellowship was.

Jesus wants us to experience not just community but communion.

Philippians 3:8–10 ESV

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

If you feel lonely, amidst the crowd - seek Deep intimacy first and foremost with Jesus.

Our natural reaction when we are alone, is not to go into a solitary place but to seek community.

There is something deeper and more valuable the Lord wants to give you. That is communion, koinonia, fellowship with God and with His people.

Why did the crowd follow Jesus?

Mark 1:32 “32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons.”

People came because they wanted deliverance, they wanted to see miraculous signs. Is that bad? not necessarily. Should we want to be delivered? absolutely! but there’s more to it.

Mark 1:39 “39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.”

People came to Jesus because He could preach! He was talented, He taught with authority Matthew 7:29 “29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”

Mark 1:40 ESV

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

The leper came because he wanted to be healed. I am not suggesting this is bad. but rather contrary to the reason Jesus sought His Father.

Mark 1:35 “35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Why did Jesus want to be with His dad? Communion.

Where did the crowd find Jesus?

Mark 1:35 “35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Mark 1:45 “45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.”

In the desert, in the wilderness, in the solitary places.

Why was Jesus there? because His pursuit was time with His Father. Did he have a lot to accomplish? of course! But his priority was time with His dad.

As you enter into this new semester with lots to accomplish and do. With lots of people to spend time with and reconnect to, make sure your priority isn’t just community but communion. Deep fellowship with God and His people.

Action: How do we experience deep communion with God? Prayer.

prayer allows us not only to communicate with God but to experience communion with God

Is it okay to build new friends and cultivate new relationships, absolutely! But my hope and desire for us all is that we would become people of prayer. That we would have deep intimacy with God and one another, that we would be known and seen and loved.

Maybe share about time this week w/leadership team and how God lead us to become leaders of prayer, and i felt friction with this in my heart all week, why? B/c it is one of the ways we exp depth with Jesus.

Challenge: Spend 10 minutes this week 3x without your phone, without anyone else in the room and just pray. Sit, talk to God, listen to God, be in His presence. (i need to apply this too)

Benediction verse: Matthew 6:6 “6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Depending on time, maybe share story of Job’s friends, they just sat with him. They shared in his suffering, they didn’t leave him to be alone. They didn’t say anything but they were there with him.

Mark

Middle English, from Latin communion-, communio mutual participation, from communis — see COMMON entry 1

If Jesus was constantly surrounded by people, why

Why do we come to Jesus? healing? words? miracles?

v35 dark & desloate

v45 we find jesus in desolate places

What if life doesnt’ feel dark and desolate? Do we see our need? Matthew 5:6 “6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

The goal is to recognize our need for Him

Why seek God? delight

Action Prayer

Transformation

desire for cleansing, healing

Jesus wants to touch the portions of our life and the people that have been untouchable

We broadcast that which Jesus meant to be personal and conceal that which needs to be revealed.

Last week we said that followers of Jesus leave things behind in order to follow

sometimes, in order to experience transformation we leave things and other times we bring things to Jesus. v40

Main Option 3:

Intro about seeking direction.

How do we know what direction to go?

Mark 1:17 “17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.””

Jesus says, Follow me, but where is He going?

Mark 1:21 “21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.”

Jesus didn’t just want to teach them something that day, He wants to teach us. What is He teaching us?

New life means New Authority

Mark 1:27 “27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.””

Demons obey Him

Mark 1:29 “29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.”

From the synagogue to the house

Mark 1:35 “35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

From the house to the wilderness/solitary

God is always moving toward intimacy

Crowds flock toward Jesus

2 Questions:

What direction does Jesus go

Why do we come to Jesus?

The demons flee from Jesus

But Jesus

Demon scared of being destroyed

Crowd seeking healing

Directions (3): Crowd moves toward Jesus, Demons move away from Jesus, but Jesus moves toward Jesus. Jesus moves towards the desolate isolated places

When you know Jesus you make it known Mark 1:34,45.

Why do we come to Jesus?

Circumstances?

Healing?

Desire?

Need & desire

Other preaching options

Observations

“early in the morning, he departed to a desolate place to pray”

“preach…that is why i came out” - his main focus of ministry is preaching

cast out demons

Faith of leper

Jesus touched the untouchable

Jesus authority over disease

Warning not to tell others

wanted God to get the credit for his healing

v45 cleansed leper disobeyed

leper drew close to Jesus why? Healing, why do we come to him? are we aware of our condition?

When Jesus heals us, how do we respond

Do we stay close to him, or do we rejoice and wander never to “walk humbly with God” //Relationally with God (Micah 6:8)

Jesus is willing to heal

v 45 “ppl kept coming to him” our healing should be so evident ppl keep coming to Jesus

HOW DO YOU VIEW JESUS? HEALER? ATHOURITY? why do you keep sinning? do you believe Jesus actually has the power to deliver you? Deliver’s you from the power of sin doesn’t mean he delivers you from the presence of sin.

HAS GOD HEALED YOU EXTERNALLY? & INTERNALLY? what type of “cleansing”do you want external/internal?

Who is Jesus? Healer

1:43–44. Jesus then sent him away. This phrase is also used of driving out demons. Jesus also gave the man a strong warning. Jesus did not want to gain the reputation of being just a miracle worker. This would hinder his ability to spread the good news and fulfill his mission. Instead, he instructed the cleansed leper to show himself to the priest to be pronounced ceremonially clean (Lev. 14:2–31). The phrase as a testimony to them means a testimony to the priest and the people of the reality of the man’s cure. If leprosy was like being a walking corpse, then the cleansing of leprosy would be the equivalent of raising a person from the dead. The religious authorities would ascribe such healing to God, thus admitting that Jesus was truly God. 1:45. The leper disobeyed Jesus by proclaiming his healing to everyone. Because he ignored Jesus’ warning, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Jesus had to curtail his public ministry and stay in isolated places. But even in his isolation, people still found him. https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AHNTC62MK/references/bible.62.1.40

Potential talking points: