In verses 21 through 28 of Mark chapter 1, we read the book’s second account of Jesus's teaching an encounter He has with a demonic spirit.
Here's what we read:
Jesus immediately went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day
He taught with authority
His words had power over the evil spirits
His teaching caused a stir - it was unlike anything people had previously heard
His words & teachings were enough to reach the masses
If Jesus is our example (1 Peter 2:21) and we're to be like Him, and do as He did (1 John 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1) then how do we apply the above to our lives?
We Should Prioritize Our Time With God, Doing His Work, And Being With Fellow Followers
Jesus had a job to do, and that was to spread the word of God and give the masses a path to ever lasting life.
So when the Sabbath came He went straight to the synagogue to teach!
That is exactly what we need to be doing as followers and emulators of Jesus. There should be no hesitation in us when it comes to sharing God’s word and going to meet with fellow followers and those desiring to learn more about Him.
Preach God’s Word With Confidence - If We Believe It’s The Truth, Then State It As The Truth
Isn’t it interesting that those who heard Jesus preach were surprised and impressed that He spoke as an expert on God’s word - preaching definitively?
Those who heard Him speak were at a synagogue - the exact place they should have been frequently hearing God’s word spoken.
However, just like at our churches today, those sharing God's word and preaching must not have been doing so with confidence.
2 Timothy 3:16 states that “all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
Psalm 19:7 states “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
Romans 10:17 says “so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (or "God" in some translations)."
If all throughout the Bible we're taught that its words are directly from God, are powerful, and have the ability to make us better and stronger followers of Him - then why do we hesitate to preach it? Why do we second guess its messaging?
If God is truly the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1), and is truly the beginning (alpha) and the end (omega) (Revelations 22:13) - then surely His word is sufficient and can be fully taught and trusted. We simply need to accept our God is good and so are His and His Son's words. If we're unable to do this, then we need to take a look at our relationship and faith in the Lord.
We Have Power Over Sin & Evil Through Jesus
If we are given the spirit of God (Romans 5:5) and are invited into the power Jesus Himself was given (Romans 8:11, Ephesians 1:19-21) - then we too can out power the evil spirits of this world. We are set free and made strong through Christ, and we can send the evil spirits approaching us fleeing. Let’s remember this in our temptations, and use it to increase our faith in our prayers. Finally, let's remind our fellow followers of this when they need encouragement!
Imitate Jesus Alone
Jesus caused a stir with His preaching, because it was so different than what those who heard it had experienced from others.
What if Jesus had simply copied the other religious leaders of the time? Would His message have had the same impact?
We cannot base our ministry on the world and the many other ministers in it. Who says any of them are doing it right? What we do know is - Jesus did it right. So let’s do as He did!
The Words Of The Scripture & Lord Are Enough
In this passage Jesus showed His power over evil, and caused a stirring amongst the people that began to spread across the land simply by speaking.
The passage does not mention any mood or flashing lights, smoke machines, or even great coffee. What it does indicate is that Jesus and the words He spoke were enough.
If we want to create change let’s be Jesus and speak His words.
Now, the piece of this passage we still need to dig in on a bit more is Jesus’s encounter with the demonic spirit, and what that shows us:
The demon not only knew Jesus, but understood & believed He was Holy and from God
Jesus had authority & power over the evil spirit
There Is More Than "Belief"
Knowing who Jesus is, and even believing in His majesty doesn’t make you any different than a literal demonic spirit.
So, if demons confess who Jesus is but are still condemned to hell - then is more expected of us? Of course!
Jesus states there are needs beyond "belief" throughout the gospel. Earlier in Mark (Mark 1:15) Jesus stated to both “repent & believe”; Matthew 4:17 and 3:2 reference the same call to action. Jesus’s disciples and the apostles preached this as well - Peter states in Acts 2:38 “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
In the passages that reference “baptism” it is a specific act we are called to do, but it’s again a pledge of repentance in our desire to be made clean from our sin. In other words, when in Mark 16:16 it states “believe and be baptized” it’s saying to not only believe, but also to pledge yourself to repentance in your desire for forgiveness - all through God's given symbol of baptism.
The argument that belief is singularly enough by using verses such as John 3:16, and Acts 16:31 ignores the rest of the chapter(s) and books in which they are written. Belief is the the first step in the journey that leads you to a changing and repentant heart. Belief is falling in love with the good Lord, and repentance and practicing of His commandments is the ongoing display of our love and desire for Him (John 14:15).
Wrap Up
All in all, let's remember Jesus is our perfect example. In both our actions and our speech let's imitate Christ alone.
Also, let's remember that we first need to believe, but with belief in Jesus and God's word we should also be a changed people - repentant of our old ways, and pursuers of purity in the Lord's teaching and desire for our lives.
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