God-given authority
by Ruth Olsen
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News about [Jesus] spread quickly … (Mark 1:28).
Read Mark 1:14–28
Yesterday, we read of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at his baptism, anointing him for ministry. It’s the anointing Jesus spoke of in the synagogue at Nazareth after returning to Galilee from the temptations in the desert (Luke 4:14–19).
For centuries, God’s people had been waiting for the promised Messiah. Yes, they frequently lost their focus or tried to please God in ways they understood. But now, it is Jesus with the message: ‘The [kairos*] time has come; the kingdom of God is here. Repent and believe the good news!’
Immediately, Mark writes of Jesus calling Simon and his brother Andrew to follow him and, likewise, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. ‘At once’ (verse 18) and ‘without delay’ (verse 20), they followed him. This immediate action is a distinctive characteristic of Mark, who uses a Greek word about 47 times that can be translated as ‘at once’, ‘quickly’ and ‘just then’. See how many times you can spot that nuance in this chapter!
Perhaps you have learned to discern, as you listen or read, whether the speaker or writer knows what they are talking about. We can speak of Jesus from the place of knowing about him or knowing and trusting him. With the latter, we have learned that he is real and God can be taken at his word. We can then speak of Jesus with an authority we didn’t have when we just knew about him.
The people at the synagogue were amazed at Jesus’ teaching and actions. They picked up on his authority in his teaching, which was so different to what they were used to hearing. They were amazed at how Jesus dealt with the evil spirit speaking through the man, evicting it and setting the man free. The evil spirit knew who Jesus was. But Jesus didn’t want evil spirits as his messengers. Jesus wants people who trust him to be his messengers, speaking in God-given authority by the power of the Holy Spirit at work through the messenger and message. It is no wonder that the news of Jesus spread quickly!
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to who you really are. Awaken us to who we are in you, the authority you give us, and how we are to use it. Thank you! Amen.
*the time of God’s favour
Ruth thoroughly enjoys what opportunities ‘retirement’ provides to see more of this beautiful country. When you are reading this, Ruth and her husband Steen will be wandering somewhere in Western Australia with their caravan, probably marvelling at the brilliant diversity of wildflowers to be found there.
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