Teaching with Authority

Mark 1: 21 - 28

In this passage, we read about the teaching of Jesus, which is described as full of authority. This term ‘authority’ is a translation of the Greek word exousia. So what is meant by authority here? From a simple reading, we can see that Jesus cast out demons and unclean spirits. In Europe, such things are often regarded as unreal, perhaps dismissed as the effects of drugs rather than the presence of evil spirits. But for us who come from Asia, we know that this is a real phenomenon. Coming back to this passage, what is the authority mentioned here?

Here, Jesus did not only teach, but also restored and liberated those who were bound. This is what is meant by authority. There is a connection between words and deeds. What is the problem with the modern church? We may preach beautiful rhetoric, with words that are even politically correct. There is nothing wrong with the words. But what about the actions? Jesus taught with authority, not merely with beautiful rhetoric. The Word is embodied in him and radiates outward. A commentary puts it beautifully: “Jesus’s word is deed.” Indeed, we are not perfect as believers. We are sinners, and we need God’s forgiveness. But we need to grow, so that we do not become a church that merely talks. Instead we embody the Word in our lives; the Word becomes flesh in our hearts.

It is written here that Jesus chose the region of Capernaum. If we look at the geography, Capernaum was the outermost area of Galilee. We have previously discussed why Jesus chose Galilee, a place that seemed insignificant, to begin his ministry. But here, he chose an area that was even farther on the outskirts, and this gives us another perspective. This was a place far from interference by political and religious leaders at that time. We often think that as Christians we should be courageous and willing to die as martyrs. So why did Jesus seem to choose to avoid difficulties? This seems inconsistent with the usual profile we have of him.

We need to understand that if it is not God’s timing, we are not called to die foolishly or be unnecessarily victimized. If God allows suffering and persecution, let it happen in his appointed time. But if it is not his time, then it must be avoided, otherwise it can ruin the work of God. This does not mean that Jesus is a coward or lacks courage. Not at all. Rather, he is wise in choosing where to act. Imagine building a sandcastle too close to the water, it will keep getting washed away, and we will become frustrated. Hence, this has nothing to do with courage or cowardice. We need wisdom in doing God’s work so that it will not be easily destroyed by Satan. Sometimes, foolishness masquerades as courage, when in fact it is simply foolishness.

In Capernaum, we also read that there was a good relationship between the Jews and the Gentiles. In Luke 7, there is a story about a Roman centurion who even had a burden to build a synagogue. Jesus ministered in such places. It is interesting that in places like Capernaum, far from Jerusalem, which was the epicenter of religiosity, we can see a cordial relationship between Jews and Gentiles.

Jesus entered into the struggles of human life. He directly confronted the power structures of evil. This is also the calling of the church and of Christians. We have discussed in the past sermon that in the story of Jesus’s temptation, the emphasis is on how Jesus stood in direct opposition to Satan. He came to bring the kingdom of God into the world, and that means direct confrontation with the kingdom of darkness.

When we talk about war, it is often misunderstood, including from religious perspectives. Some people, filled with hatred, use religion as a justification for war. This is an abuse of religion. Others say there should never be war at all, but that is equally problematic. The right understanding is that there is a war that cannot be avoided, but it is a spiritual war. We cannot make peace with evil. It is wrong to reconcile with evil. Yet we often make other people our enemies, when in fact we are supposed to love them. Those who do not realize that there is a spiritual war with the kingdom of darkness will end up caught in the military and physical wars. Because we do not fight against evil, we end up fighting against people.

Jesus brought the kingdom of God, and in doing so, he confronted the dominion of Satan. There is evil power at work. But this war is not in the physical realm. It takes place in the cosmic realm, in the invisible world. We are often unaware of this. As a result, we create visible enemies. We fail to realize that the real war is taking place in the spiritual realm. If we are born again by the Holy Spirit and come to know Christ, then we will begin to see this, not with physical eyes, but with spiritual understanding. Moreover, we will be able to see even the enemy within ourselves: our carnal desires, pride, greed, lust, and so on.

Jesus cast out an unclean spirit. The term unclean spirit comes from the Old Testament. There is a clear opposition between what is clean and unclean. Unclean refers to something impure or defiled. Here, the Bible uses the term Holy Spirit in contrast to the unclean spirit. This is a contrast that could not be sharper. Jesus cast out the unclean spirit so that the person could be cleansed, so that his life could be cleansed and purified.

The unclean spirit refers to Jesus as, “the Holy One of God.” This is an accurate title for Jesus, and interestingly, this is said by Satan. In the Old Testament, this term also appears in the story of Samson. Samson was a strong man who defeated the Philistines and liberated Israel from their enemies. Jesus is portrayed like Samson, and Satan recognizes that Jesus is a strong man like Samson. And indeed, Jesus came to liberate.

Someone who is bound by the power of evil cannot free himself. It can even be like an addiction that drives a person deeper and deeper into evil. In Asia, we often think about our governments that are stuck in corruption, unable to break free. Some suggest that the way out is to impose the death penalty for corruption. But this is problematic from a Christian perspective. If someone repents only because they are afraid of the death penalty, what kind of ethics is that? People bound by sin cannot liberate themselves. Many think they are in control of their lusts and desires, when in fact, they are the ones being controlled. Jesus Christ is the only who is able to liberate and set us free.

Jesus is portrayed as a strong man against Satan. But before people, he does not present himself as a strong man. He comes with mercy, compassion, and gentleness. He is strong against the kingdom of evil, but gentle towards those who are bound. This is the calling of the church and of Christians too: to live as Christ lived. This world is full of broken people who have no wholeness in their lives, people who are sick, suffering, oppressed, afraid, deeply hurt, disappointed, and so on. Jesus came to bring restoration, not only physically but also spiritually.

Christianity is a calling to serve those who are broken. Beware of the misguided model of Christianity that says we follow Jesus to achieve great things or to gain high status. That is prosperity theology. That is not the Gospel. Jesus did not seek position, privilege, or great influence. He came for the broken. We are healthy not to enjoy our health for its own sake, but so that we can visit the sick. If our lives are blessed, it is so that we can serve those who are less blessed. If we have more, it is so that we can help those who have less. The calling of Christianity is not to become an elite or superior community, but to serve.

Of course, we are in the process of growth, and sometimes we are not yet strong. But when God strengthens us, we are called to strengthen others. God once told Peter, “When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” If God has shown his providence to us and entrusted us with well-being in this life, we must remember the broken people among us.

Jesus came to demonstrate power, the power to show compassion, the power to help the weak. That is true power. Compassion can only be expected from those who are truly strong. Someone who is not strong will not be gentle and merciful. Jesus empowers us with the same power. He does not keep it to himself, but it is also given to the church. Therefore, let us proclaim, share, and live out this redemptive power in Christ. May God bless us all.