Why should I listen to Jesus?

The Setting: Synagogue on a Sabbath

Mark 1:21 ESV

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.

A Synagogue was different than the temple. The temple is where sacrifices where made. A synagogue was where jews would go to pray, read scripture, and hear someone teach.

Think of it like a church service.

The synagogue leader wouldn’t be the one teaching. Instead, the most learned Jews of the town would and then, like in this case, traveling “rabbis” would teach when they were in town.

Jesus was considered a traveling rabbi.

It was exciting when a rabbi came to teach. Most everyone in town would have came to hear the traveling teacher.

Jesus’ Goal: Teaching Truth

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.

Normally, rabbis would teach in a way that put the authority on someone else’s ideas about the Bible. Back then, they would read their version of the Bible, The Law (the five books of Moses) and then share what another rabbi or a scribe said about it.

Like, “rabbi so and so says this about this text of the Law”.

They would never say things like “I say this about this text”. They had this superstition that if they relied on someone else’s statements then they were actually presenting another level of “authoritative law” that was equal with the Bible.

So, they basically had two laws. The Law of the Torah and the Law of the Mishnah, or oral tradition.

Jesus had no interest in their man made law or man invented thoughts about the Law. He came to give the true Law and thoughts about the Law from God. Because He is God.

He would say things like,

“You’ve heard it staid…. But I say to you this…”

“I SAY”

This is teaching truth with authority.

Someone doesn’t like that.

Satan’s Goal: Disrupt Discipleship

Mark 1:23–24 ESV

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.”

We don’t know if this demon possessed guy was there the whole time. But my guess is that he was considering how special it was to have a rabbi visit.

So, this demon possessed dude starts disrupting the teaching and calling Jesus “the Holy One of God”.

We might think, “at least he’s rightly identifying Jesus.”

Yes, he is, but this is not in step with The Father’s plan! And the demon knows it.

Jesus’ early days of ministry were intended, by The Father, to be subtle and not BIG. Because, if Jesus started big, number 1, He’d not be humble as was prophesied, and number 2, Rome would come in quickly to destroy any religious or political figure that got big real fast.

The demon knew this. So he’s causing a big scene.

Jesus is here to humbly, and subtly, make disciples. Not pridefully draw loads of attention to Himself.

Jesus’ Response: Saving the Sinner

Mark 1:25–26 ESV

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.

This demon can’t withstand the authority of Jesus’ voice.

Jesus says “shut up and get out!” and the demon HAS to!! Because Jesus has the authority!

This not only serves the purpose of protecting Jesus’ mission. But it saves the man who’s been trapped by this demon.

Jesus brings salvation to this man, simply by exercising His authority!

The Crowd’s Response: Amazement at Authority

Mark 1:27–28 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.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

I love this, because we see here that the Father’s purpose stands.

Jesus was meant to gain fame and popularity. But notice what they are not saying!

They are not saying “He’s the true king!”, “He’s going to rescue us from Rome!”,

Instead, they are amazed and curious as to Jesus’ Spiritual Significance!

They are asking the right questions.

Before anyone can submit to Jesus’ physical authority they HAVE TO submit to His Spiritual Authority!

Spiritual Authority comes before Physical Authority

Getting Jesus right Spiritually leads to a physical manifestation to His authority.

Why should I listen to Jesus?

If Jesus has authority over the Spirit realm, obviously he has authority over spiritual matters, physical matters, and the meaning of life.

What does this mean for me?

You are daily attacked by spiritual enemies that only Jesus can defeat. If you want to escape the enemies plans for you then you must listen to Jesus.

Believe Him.

Believe in His power.

Submit to Him as your authority. James 4:7

James 4:7 ESV

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

You are looking for purpose and worth, even if you don’t realize it now. Jesus is the only one who has the authority to tell you who you are and what you are!

And he says to you that…

“YOU ARE AN OBJECT OF THE FATHER’S LOVE!”

If you want to find true joy, true purpose, true satisfaction, and true love, YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO JESUS.