Teaching

Mark 1:21-28
The Man with the Unclean Spirit
 
After Jesus called the four fishermen, they followed him to Capernaum. When the Sabbath came, they entered the synagogue where Jesus began to teach. Jesus had been preaching to the crowds outside of the synagogue, but preaching was different from teaching. Jesus preached to people of all faiths. Teaching usually occurred in the synagogue where Jewish people gathered to pray and study scripture. Jesus taught this new “teaching” to a Jewish audience.

Going to the synagogue on the Sabbath was a regular practice, so they would have heard many teachings by scribes. Scribes were men who taught by citing other teachers, so it was astounding for the people to hear Jesus teach with authority. He didn’t have to use other sources as authority because he was the authority. Jesus was the expert on all things holy, and God gave him the power or right to exercise his authority in whatever way he deemed appropriate.

I think about the times when I’ve sat in a class and was bored when the professor spouted off source after source to use as evidence or authority on a subject. I also think about the times when I’ve sat in a class and was drawn in when the professor spoke from personal experience. Jesus taught like the latter. He taught from personal experience and personal knowledge.

A key principle in writing is “Show, Don’t Tell.” Show the reader your point with a story or illustration. The reader will more likely be persuaded than simply telling your point. Jesus showed his authority, the new teaching, by healing the man, instead of just telling people he had the authority to do so. Jesus showed the people this new teaching, and that made all the difference. Jesus’s presence came through when he taught, and that’s what moved people’s hearts.

I imagine it to be like the times we listen to a sermon or a lecture, and we hear the Spirit speak directly to us. The person says the very words we need to hear. It’s too perfect to our situation to deny the Spirit’s reach through their words. The Spirit draws our attention to the new thing we heard, and it moves our heart to change.

Perhaps the exact words that the man with the unclean spirit needed to hear were, “Be quiet, and come out of him” (v.25). Jesus’ authority reached through these words, and pulled out the very thing that afflicted him. Jesus showed that he had the authority to heal this man. He showed (instead of told) who he was. He revealed to everyone in the synagogue that he is the One who holds all power and authority, the Holy One of God.    
 
Reflection Question:
Have you learned a new teaching that totally rocked your world? It caused you to completely rethink everything you’ve known up to this point. How did this experience change your life?

Is there a new teaching that you need to learn that will help you change your perspective?

Have you ever heard Jesus speak to you through a sermon, book, or other teaching? How did you respond to that experience?

How has Jesus shown you who he is?
 
Action: When the Sabbath comes, go to the synagogue to pray and study scripture. Listen for the Spirit to speak directly to your heart.