A Different Kind of Authority

Introduction

Story of boy at VBS, “If the Lone Ranger were there he would have let those guys have it.”

Mark keeps us on the edge of our seats when he tells the story. In dramatic fashion he stars this recalling this event with the words, “They enter Capernaum.” Probably doesn’t sound like much, but the way he enters event it would have kept the people on the edge of their seats.

They’ve already been told that the appointed time is at hand, that the reign and rule of God has come near.

Now we get to experience what it means that the reign and rule of God is near. First of all this reign and rule of God comes with authority. Let’s look at verses 21-22 again. (Read Mark 1:21-22)

The Reign and Rule of God Comes with Authority

Nothing unusual about an out of town Rabbi speaking in the synagogue.

The synagogue rose during the time that the Israelites were in exile in Babylon.

These synagogues became the center of community life. They were run by the Pharisees and the scribes.

It says that the people were astounded because Jesus spoke with authority. Let me give you an example of what the people were use to.

Use to a Rabbi quoting a Rabbi who was quoting another Rabbi.

Jesus comes with authority. His is the authority of the Old Testament prophets. “Thus says the Lord.” Think about how Jesus addressed the disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. Let’s look at Matthew 5:27-28. (Read)

Jesus doesn’t quote another Rabbi’s opinion about adultery. “But I say to you...” This is the authority with which Jesus spoke.

It is still the same authority with which Jesus speaks. Do you understand the importance of Scripture? We believe that the Bible is the Word of God so when the community gathers to hear it is as if Jesus were standing in our midst speaking these words.

Transition: So the first thing we learn about the what happens when reign and rule of God comes is that it comes with authority even today. The second thing we learn about what happens when the rule and reign of God comes is that the things that unclean flee. Let’s look at verse 23-26 (Read Mark 1:23-26)

The Reign and Rule of God Comes and The Unclean Flees

An epic battle takes place in small synagogue in an unimportant part of the world. Nobody is aware of this battle, but you and I are still telling and retelling the story centuries later. Why? What was so epic about this war of the worlds type of battle?

There’s been a man in the synagogue listening to Jesus teach. He recognizes his authority and he can’t handle it any more. The man, or I should say, the unclean spirit fires the first shot, “Why are you messing in my business.” That’s what is meant when the unclean spirit calls out, “What do you have to do with us?”

The unclean spirit doesn’t stop there. “Have you come to destroy us?” Well yes of course.

Do you understand the importance of what we’ve experienced in this text this morning. We have been given a preview of what’s going to happen when Jesus returns.

Jesus is going to mess with the unclean world.

The unclean world will flee for all eternity.

We will stand astonished at the power of Christ to do away with what we’ve struggled with all our lives. This is what’s coming for us.

Transition: It should surprise us how the people who witnessed this event responded to what they saw. You see, when God’s rule and reign comes people are astonished by what they experience.

The Reign and Rule of God Comes and People Are Astonished at What They Experience

I have a feeling that the sabbath meal that night was filled with rather amazing conversation.

Jesus teaching is new because it was like nothing the people had heard before. It wasn’t a new law, but the revealing of who God truly is. Everything that is unclean flees in the presence of Jesus.

Jesus’ teaching is new because it has changed our lives.

Did you notice that what Jesus did in casting out the unclean spirit labeled as a new teaching? In this way, what Jesus does points us to the new teaching that centers in his cross.

Jesus’ death is what makes us new.

Jesus’ resurrection is what makes us new.

Conclusion

What we experienced in this text today is what will be ours when Christ returns. When Jesus returns. The unclean will disappear and we will experience the words of John’s revelation, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Don’t lose the vision! Amen.