Slices
Prepare
Whose voice would you recognise anytime, anywhere? Is that from love or fear? How do you recognise the voice of Jesus? You may be surprised by who first fully recognises Jesus in today’s passage.
Bible passage
Jesus drives out an impure spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!’
25 ‘Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.’ 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Jesus heals many
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all who were ill and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Explore
All this action happens in one day. It feels like a documentary film crew are following Jesus, scrambling to keep up with the pace at which he moves and acts. This man is both purposeful and responsive. His teaching is electrifying, especially when compared with the bland diet presented by the teachers of the Law (v 22). But it is not just the human audience who responds! The unclean spirits are the first to proclaim Jesus as Messiah. They know the genuine article when they see it (v 24). They are not, however, who he came to save and serve.
Demons and disease are dispensed with, lovingly. This good news has very practical implications and consequences. Mark is laying down a rhythm here that will pulse through his Gospel. Jesus is a teacher, with authority. He is a healer, with compassion. He drives out what is evil and unclean, with determination. He is on a mission! He is different from other teachers and his reputation quickly grows and spreads.
Respond
The same authority that silences the demons sends us out into the world to proclaim this good news. They had no choice but to obey Jesus. We do. Make the right choice today! Where might you proclaim good news?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 5,6; Matthew 3
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Gemma Willis in her role as Head of Development Hub. Ask God to help her navigate the changes in the team during a time in which many systems are also changing.
