With Authority

Set the Captives Free  by Laura Gentry

The Text:

Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. Mark 1:25-26


The Whispering:

On Sunday, we will hear a passage from Mark’s Gospel that recounts Jesus’ teaching and healings at the temple in Capernaum. It is early on in Jesus’ ministry, and yet, the text tells us, all who were present were amazed at his “authority.” That word struck me.

While we could focus on the mechanics of teaching and driving out demons, perhaps we should consider instead what Jesus’ ministry really entailed. It is clear that Jesus expected his disciples to both preach and drive out demons as the way of bringing about the Kingdom of God. Did he expect as much out of us, his 21st century disciples?

In what ways are we using our authority as children of God and as disciples of Jesus to bring about the Kingdom of God? And do we even have to worry about demons anymore?