Mark 1:21

November 17, 2024

Authority #

Mark 1:21-28

Introduction

In our passage, the word Authority appears twice, but the implication of authority is in every part of the passage we will look at.

authority - legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion, jurisdiction;

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus is presented as a servant. However, it is very clear in the beginning of the gospel, that he is not a weak servant, but a very powerful, strong servant. While Jesus came to serve, and be a servant, by no means does that make him weak, or lessen his authority.

I. Authority of the Saviour (Mark 1:21-22) #

  • There is a contrast that is drawn here between Jesus and the scribes.
  • Authority - right to command or control

A. Established Authority #

1. Authority of the Jewish community #

  • Scribes were responsible originally for copying the Scriptures, in doing such, they became the most knowledgeable, and authority.

2. Everyone has an authority #

  • Atheist

    • Even the atheist, who claims he doesn’t believe in God, has an authority in his life... usually it is himself! - He determines what is right & wrong.
    • That is the problem with atheism,

  • Religious people - authority is the church, leader etc

B. Real Authority #

1. Jesus teaches the Word... as if it is His own! #

  • Jesus came in and taught the Bible like no one else

2. Jesus is the Word #

“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (Jn 1:14)

3. The Word of God has every authority to teach us #

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Word has the authority to teach us how to live in holiness!

II. Authority over spirits (Mark 1:23-28) #

  • Authority in the teaching and preaching of the Word of God!
  • Authority in the practical application

A. Power of unclean spirits (23) #

  • People play around with spiritism... it is dangerous

1. Possession of man in the synagogue (23) #

  • We do not believe a christian can be saved, and possessed by an unclean spirit. This was before the promise of the Spirit of God.
  • Not all demon possessed people act crazy.

2. He was possessed, controlled (24) “Saying” #

  • The unclean spirit was speaking, twisting the authority of Jesus! “come to destroy us” - fake news

“10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

B. Power over unclean spirits! (25-26) #

1. Verbal assault - “Rebuked” - This was not a physical battle, but a spiritual #

  • Spiritual wickedness is rebuked by the Word of God

  • Jesus instantly shut-down the false narrative.

2. Violent departure #

“Thus, when Christ by his grace delivers poor souls out of the hands of Satan, it is not without a grievous toss and tumult in the soul; for that spiteful enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy.” - Matthew Henry

3. Victorious salvation #

C. People’s amazement (27-28) - People are amazed at a changed life, by the Authority of God! #

III. Authority over sickness (Mark 1:29-34) #

  • We see the same authority, continue to be displayed, in all areas.
  • Lest we think that Jesus authority is only for teaching, only for spiritual... there is a practical, physical change He makes in our life!

A. Physical sickness! (29-30) #

1. “lay sick of a fever” - not just a mild fever, but one that lays you in bed! #

2. “they tell him of her” - Obviously, they believed Jesus had power over physical illness! #

B. Physical healing (31) #

1. There was no great show, or display! #

C. Powerful Potential (32-34) #

1. “brought unto him all... diseased... possessed” #

2. The Power of Jesus, is unlimited! “healed many"34 #

Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Tags: Preaching Outlines Mark Authority