Public Ministry Begins

“Jesus’ authority isn’t ancient history—it’s our present victory.”

Mark 1:21–28 ESV

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “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.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 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.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

1. Authority in Teaching

Mark 1:21–22 ESV

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

They were astonished at his teaching. The manner as well as to the content. The bible says that people in the synagogue describes him as one who has authority. I ask, what does that mean? Does that mean the words He chose? Does that mean the style he used? Or was it something else.

It definitely was something else.

Experts in the law have taught in the synagogue for years. The most talented orators and most articulate theologians have taught in the synagogue. But people were amazed. Jesus was no trained rabbi. Yet people were amazed. Everyone was surprised, because Jesus taught with authority that surpassed all who had come before Him.

There are voices in all of our lives that when they speak God uses them to get through to us. No two of us are exactly the same in regards to the human voice or style or tactic that gets through to us. But When God speaks to us the one thing that is always the same is God is speaking through those voices. Their voice is given authority by God!

If you want to know where to find authority, look to God’s word. If you want to hear some of the most profound and applicable statements, turn the gospels (the first four books of the NT) that are all about Jesus and Jesus’ words.

Application:

Where are you going for answers?

People, Talent, Charisma, or Jesus?

Are you trusting in the authority of men? Are you trusting in their talent, style, preference, or charisma? Are you trusting in the authority that comes only from God?

Transition Statement: Jesus taught with authority. He was also acknowledged as having authority by dark and evil.

2. Acknowledged by Darkness

Mark 1:23–24 ESV

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “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.”

Take note of the fact of where the man with the unclean spirit was. Synagogue. Evil can show its face anywhere. Why was this man in the synanogue? Associated with demons and oppression of the spirit is mental illness, handicaps, and evil or even criminal activity.

Man with unclean spirit: Found in synagogue in Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28) Came to Jesus in synagogue. “What have you to do with us.”

Men with demon. (Mark 5) No man could contain him. He lived among tombs. Cried out. Came to Jesus. “What have you to do with me.”

Woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit. (Mark 7)

(Mark 16) Jesus cast 7 demons out of her.

(Mark 9) Man brings boy to Jesus. Seizures. Grinding teeth. Jesus commanded

The evil spirit knows who Jesus is and voices alarm at the imminent destruction of the kingdom of evil.

Similarities: All came to Jesus or were brought to Jesus by parent. In all cases They listen to Jesus.

Jesus' authority extends beyond teaching; it encompasses power over the spiritual realm.

Perhaps emphasize the recognition of Jesus' authority by the unclean spirits. This incident shows that spiritual forces understand who Jesus is and His power over them. Reflect on the ways spiritual challenges manifest in our lives, and recognize the authority of Jesus to address these adversities, reinforcing the confidence believers can have in Him.

Application:

Ephesians 6:10–13 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Consider how they confront their spiritual battles and the importance of relying on Jesus' authority for victory. With the advancement of technology, science, knowledge has led to many ignoring or denying the existence of evil working in this world. Or we have turned to our practical methods that have in some, NOT ALL cases replaced dependence on God. \

Some of us are preparing our battles with the devil with money, science, logic, practical realities that may work when dealing with people. But the bible teaches us to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand against the schemees of the devil. (TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, READINESS from the GOSPEL or peace, FAITH, SALVATION, WORD of GOD, PRAYER)

People recognized the authority of JEsus teaching. The evil spirits recognized the authority of Jesus. And when Jesus spoke, the spirit obeyed.

3. Absolute Command

Mark 1:25–26 ESV

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

Jesus’ authority and His literal words, compels darkness to flee. there is NOTHING beyond His power. Nothing. No evil. No principality. Nothing. The forces of darkness stand no chance. He is over all physical and spiritual.

We can trust and rely on His power.

Application:

There is nothing beyond His ability to call out.

Except perhaps the deliberate resistance of someones free will. But even that, sometimes I wonder, if a man can resist the overwhelming power of God’s love and call. But the spirit listened to the command. There was no freewill involved. There was just power overcoming evil. Jesus overcomes evil. PERIOD. Stands no chance.

Application:

There is no evil that is trying to mess with you that will not be silent and leave when Jesus speaks. Have you asked Jesus to help you overcome the evil in your life? Have you invited Jesus to speak against the evil in your family? Have you cried out to God to remove the sin in your world?

Remember where the man with the unclean spirit was…at the synagogue…evil can work its way anywhere…

Whether it is in the home, at school, at work, in politics, in even in the church. When Jesus commands for evil to leave, it will.

Sometimes we need to ask God to get the evil out of the unfairness of society, our of our families, our of our marriages, out of our minds, out of our hearts.

Jesus says be silent. And evil silences. Jesus says come out, and it goes!

When are we goign go stop relying on our pracical advice and start letting God’s word command the evil out.

The problem is we have put on the wrong armor (the armor of this world) to protect us from the schemes of the devil. They don’t stand a chance. We need to put on the armor of God.

4. Astonished at His Authority

Mark 1:27–28 ESV

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.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Amazement and spreading reputation of Jesus due to His authority of teaching, authority recognized by the evil spirits, and obedience from even the spirits. The public response underscores how transformative encounters with Jesus can be.

When believers start living as if Jesus has all authority, trusting fully, living with no fear, less anxiety, and peace the world notices. The world notices because they see what Jesus has done in the life of this person, teaching in the synagogue….like today…when the world sees what the Lord does for you, does in yoru synagogues, and does in your life…the world is astonished.

Let’s start living like we are completely

Catchphrases:

“Jesus’ power didn’t retire.” “His authority didn’t retire—it still transforms.”

The power to overcome evil that comes from Jesus didn’t retire. The power to overcome sin that comes from Jesus didn’t go off to a condo somewhere to relax by the golf course.

One of the reasons the world can be astonished again is for believer to live changed as if they really have been changed.

Conclusion:

BIG IDEA: Only by recognizing and submitting to the authority of Jesus can we truly experience transformation and victory in our spiritual lives, leading us to actively pursue holiness and purpose.

Who needs to submit to the authority of Jesus?

There is someone who has been doing there best to fix their own problems with logical and practical methods. And nothing just seems to be sticking . You know who you are because things feel out of control and you haven’t grown in your faith, and you know the Lord is calling you to step steps toward Him. You need to RECOGNIZE and SUBMIT. Sit under His love, mercy, teaching, and convictions.

BIG IDEA: Jesus' authority is not just a historical fact but a present reality that empowers believers to confront spiritual challenges and experience real transformation in their lives.

Who needs encouragement today for whatever you are facing???

I know there are people in this very room who are going through things that they have no

BIG IDEA: There are some who have been living timid about what God has done in their life. And you know right now that you need to live out your CHANGED life. Be a little more outgoing. Be a little mor engaged in mission wheereve ryou go. Be a little more positive. Be al ittle more self controlled. TRANSFORMED by the power fo the GOSPEL! So the world can see. So the world can be amazed at the p ower of Jesus in your life;