Jesus Begins His Public!

22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes

They were all in the synagogue together.  The synagogue is  of a place of learning, in the Jewish tradition.  The Temple is the place of worship.  

In this Jewish synagogue is where Jesus’ first public ministry began!  The place is full of people.  And Jesus begins teach!  We are not told what he was teaching!  But we are told that all who listened were "astounded!" 

Then the story goes on about a man with “an unclean spirit” who begins to yell at Jesus.  The unclean spirit seems to know exactly who Jesus is:  and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."

This is where we need to stop and clarify what is actually happening here.  It is not the man who is yelling at Jesus.  It is the “the unclean spirit” — demon — who possess the man’s body. It is not just one demon!  Notice the tenses used when the voice speaks to Jesus:  Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."

Did you catch the change in tense?  One voice speak!  But the voice speaks of more —“us!”  The one voice speak for many demons who have come to occupy the man’s physical body.   

And Jesus tells the voice to be silent and get out of the man.  And the demon/demons came out!

What you will begin to understand, as you read more about Jesus, is that it is the demons who often understand who Jesus is. They recognize Jesus’ divinity before most human people do. 

Yet, listen to what it say about the bystanders in the synagogue: who watched and listened: They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."

They were amazed!  

However, it doesn’t at all suggest that they, in anyway,  believed that Jesus was the son of God. 

Which is what the unclean spirt called Jesus! 

They, the bystanders, didn’t  seem to understand that they were in the presence of God.  They just questioned Jesus’  teachings and his seeming “authority.”  

The unclean spirits — demons — didn’t question!

Point of interest:  I am going to make a statement here that has never before come into my simple mind:  I think there is a possibility that our own conscientious might know Jesus better than our intellect.   What do you think? 

Back to the story!

What I wondered this morning, as I read this section of Chapter 1, is:  When you hear a story like this one.  A story about what Jesus taught!  Or about demons!  Are you  astounded or amazed?  Does it make you wish that you  could have witnessed such divine power in person?

And, If you would have been there, what would have changed in you?

Or, is it just another story about what Jesus did?  

An old old story that has nothing to do with you today?

True story!  Many years ago very young, and rebellious, seventh grader  boldly and confidently announced,  “Jesus has nothing to do with me today!  All of that happened 2000 years ago!” At a confirmation retreat late one afternoon.

When we hear of Jesus’ amazing story, is that what we think?

Because to be fair!  The scientific, medical and technical breakthroughs in our world today have pretty well solved all of those needs for healing and miracles that Jesus accomplished way back then.  

Except maybe for those huge meals that fed thousands with 2 fish and 3 loaves.  With enough left overs for the doggie-bags!  I don’t think that can be topped!!

But seriously!  What do you and I get from hearing a story of the exorcism of a demonically occupied man?

Questions like that would always come into my busy mind when I prepared for a sermon on such stories.  I thought, what could I ever say to “amaze”  or “astound” those who came to hear that old, old, story? 

All of the questions that come, into this gray-haired pastor’s mind, come because is so important for me to find ways to help the person listing to my sermon — or reading a blog — to “be fed” by the word of God.  

What I spoke, from the pulpit or in a Bible Study or now write for this blog; is/was to enable all who listened, or now read, to know:  It is Jesus!  It is truly God in Jesus’ skin!  It is not just a story!  It happened!   

Yes!  It did happen thousands of years ago!  But, it did happen!    

And remember!  Jesus promised never to leave us!  To always be with us!  To heal!  To make miracles!  To teach!  To guide and care for us! 

Does that astound you?  

Does that truth amaze you?

Because it is absolutely true, at least for me, that what Jesus said and did then!  Still happens now!

What we learn from those old stories about this gently powerful Jesus.  We can learn now!

He healed — instead of cursing a demon filled man.  

He fed thousands with a meager amount of food — instead of sending them home to feed themselves.  

He walked on stormy waters to get the disciples attention to his truth.

He did so much more!  And still does!   

  21They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.(Mk. 1)