Okay, This Guy Is Epic

Introduction

Welcome to the Anchor

You my good friend are in a battle you might not have known about. You are amidst a battlefield of good and evil.

Every good story we love has the conflict between good and evil. What are some stories you love that have that?

In your life, in your daily life, there is a battle all around you that is spiritual.

A spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

As we saw two weeks ago, there is an enemy, Satan, the deceiver. Who wants to steal, kill, and destroy.

The domain of evil is called the kingdom of darkness. Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,”

Jesus, the Anchor, arrives and He invites us to join the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God. And Jesus is the King of this Kingdom. We looked at the message of this Kingdom:

Turn away from evil to God, and believe.

Jesus began His mission on earth with this and went to gather his first students, fishermen.

But what happens next?

Let’s go to Mark and find out.

Prayer

Mark 1:21-28

I. Jesus and the disciples enter the synagogue in Capernaum (1:21-28)

A. Jesus enters the synagogue with the disciples and teaches with authority (1:21-22)

B. A man with an unclean spirit cries out and reveals Jesus’s Identity (1:23-24)

c. Jesus rebukes the him and casts out the demon (1:25-26)

D. The people are amazed and astonished, Jesus’s fame spreads throughout all the region of Galilee (1:27-28)

Jesus and the disciples enter the synagogue (place of assembly for the Jews: worship and learning)

Jesus teaches, and people see, hey this guy is different. He is speaking with authority.

Because He has authority.

Then, we see the kingdom of darkness fight back.

So there is Satan the deceiver, and there is his “henchmen” or soldiers who are called unclean spirits and demons. They are spiritual beings rebellious and hostile to God and anyone allied with him. They hate people and they hate Jesus.

The enemy cries out.

The questions sought to put Jesus on the defensive and force him to justify his action (cf. Judg 11:12; 2 Sam 16:10; 1 Kgs 17:18; 2 Kgs 3:13; 2 Chr 35:21). The second sentence, however, could be an assertion rather than a question: “You have come to destroy us!” The demon tried unsuccessfully to oppose Jesus by employing his name.

(Commentary)

It be like a cheesy henchmen from a superhero movie going, “Oh yeah, and who do you think you are?”

Mockery.

Notice how the demon even says Jesus’s accurate title? Isn’t that odd?

Jesus shows His power by silencing Him and forcing Him out of the man. The Kingdom of God is greater then the kingdom of darkness. Good is greater then evil. He sets this man free from the demon.

Mark 1:25 ESV

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

Why do you think Jesus would silence the demon, even if it said His accurate title?

This actually isn’t the only time Jesus silences people, He tells people He heals later to remain quiet as well. Jesus wants people to know who He is in faith and repentance.

James 2:19–22 ESV

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;

Jesus doesn’t just want us to believe in Him, even the demons believe in Him. Jesus wants us to respect Him as King and Lord, letting that effect all of our actions and decisions. He wants us to turn away from evil and seek to live how He lives. A kingdom life.

Which kingdom are you living in?

People are amazed, who is this Jesus, who teaches with authority and casts out demons? Who is this guy?

Jesus is greater then the kingdom of darkness.

So they continue on:

Mark 1:29-31

II. Jesus and the disciples go to Simon and Andrew’s house (1:29-31)

A. They arrive at Simon and Andrew’s home and they tell Jesus about Simon’s mother-in-law (1:29-30)

B. Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law (1:31)

Jesus heals. Jesus is the mighty king who brings healing. The healing here is a sign that His kingdom is coming, and with the kingdom what is broken is restored.

Jesus can heal sickness, but if that is true why doesn’t He heal everyone?

Simon we learn here is married, Peter from the Bible has a wife, that’s the only way he can have a mother in law.

Mark 1:32-34

III. The sick and demon oppressed are brought to Simon and Andrew’s house to be healed/cast out (1:32-34)

A. The disciples bring to Jesus all who are sick or oppressed by demons, Jesus heals and casts out demons (1:32-34a)

B. Jesus would not let the demons speak because they know who He is (1:34b)

Jesus does miracles. He is showing He is the King, the Son of God, He is greater than John the Baptist. He has the Holy Spirit and God is bringing in a new Kingdom.

But why doesn’t Jesus heal everybody?

He doesn’t heal everyone in the Bible.

Because He came to heal a greater problem then the outer body that will fade away. He came to heal broken and evil hearts.

We have a problem, our heart is broken. We have broken God’s laws. We don’t seek God’s good we seek good for ourselves. We are broken. Jesus came to heal and restore hearts. To heal on the inside. To renew the broken person.

Jesus heals hearts, He makes people new on the inside. He turns people who are prone to evil, desire to do good. He makes people like Himself.

To give people life and life abundant.

One day, for those who believe. There will be no more pain or tears.

Revelation 21:4 ESV

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

The people of the Kingdom will be restored!

Do you know you are in the Kingdom? Have you talked to God, asking Him for forgiveness?

Do you spend time with Jesus? Do you want to be like Him?

Do you want your heart to be healed?

If you have any of these questions, after 8, myself, Jed, Kelle, and Michael will be here. Feel free to chat with any of us about these questions. Also you can reach out to me on Discord anytime of the week if you want to talk more about what it means to truly be in the Kingdom of God.

Let’s pray before small group time.

Prayer