Jesus Displays his Power

Mark 1:21-34

“And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:21-22)

Shortly after calling his first disciples, and turning the water into wine at Cana, Jesus went into Capernaum, and went into the synagogue, where he began to teach.  The people were amazed because he taught as one who actually understood what he was saying from personal experience.  The scribes based their teaching on what others had told them, or what they had read.  It made a great deal of difference in Christ’s presentation and credibility.

“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.  And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. ” (Mark 1:23-26)

The demonic spirit spoke through the man, stating clearly that he knew Jesus was the messiah and that his intent was to destroy Satan’s power.   Satan, and his spirits know who are on God’s side, and are terrified that they will be destroyed.  When Jesus commanded him to come out, he had no choice but to do so, although he did everything in his power to resist, physically injuring the man in his efforts.    Satan doesn’t care who is hurt as long in his efforts to retain his power.  It is why dictators and criminal organizations turn on innocent people in an effort to retain their power.

“And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.  And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.” (Mark 1:27-28)

The Jews were amazed that Jesus could order the demonic spirits to come out, when the their peiests and prophets could do nothing to about them, even though they claimed to get their authority and powers directly from God.  It was clear he had powers and authority the Jewish leaders did not have.   Word spread rapidly throughout northern Israel. 

“And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.” (Mark 1:29)

When Jesus finished teaching in the Synagogue, he went to the home of Simon Peter and Andrew, in Bethsaida.  He was accompanied by James and John as well, while Philip and Nathaniel went to their own home, in the city. 

Mr 1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.  And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.” (Mark 1:30-31”

Peter’s mother-in-law was sick and Jesus healed her, by just taking her hand and helping her get up.  She proceeded to cook for them and make them welcome.    

“And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.  And all the city was gathered together at the door.  And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.” (Mark 1:32-34)

Late that evening, after sunset, the people of the city gathered around the house and brought many sick or demonically possessed people to Jesus for healing.  He healed the sick, and cast out the devils, but forbid them to speak because they knew who he was.   He didn’t want Satan to have anything that could possibly be construed as an influence over him.