The Astounding Authority of Jesus
Scripture — Mark 1:21-22 (NRSV)
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Focus
Jesus’s word comes to us, not as one opinion among many options, but as the very word of God. In a day with so many “authorities,” Jesus teaches with unique authority. And though, like the people in the synagogue of Capernaum, we might marvel at the teaching of Jesus, this response is just the beginning. His word calls forth belief, as we affirm the truth of what he says. Moreover, it summons us to repentance, as we turn our lives around and follow him. And when we follow Jesus, everything begins to change.
This devotion is part of the series: Following Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.
Devotion
In the time of Jesus, Jewish teachers often focused on the fine details of legal interpretation. They wanted people to understand, for example, exactly how they should wash their hands in order to honor the Jewish law. Moreover, these teachers would support their conclusions by quoting from other, earlier teachers. Even their verbal teaching included the sort of material we would find in academic footnotes.
It’s no wonder, therefore, that people were amazed by the teaching of Jesus. He spoke plainly of the approaching reign of God, calling people to turn their lives around in response to this good news (Mark 1:15). Jesus taught, not in the mode of the rabbis of his day, but in the dynamic, confident voice of the Old Testament prophets. Yet he did not preface his instruction with “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus spoke directly with the Lord’s own authority.
Jesus continues to speak in this way as we read the Gospels today. His word comes to us, not as one opinion among many options, but as the very word of God. In a day with so many competing “authorities,” Jesus teaches with unique authority.
Though, like the people in the synagogue of Capernaum, we might marvel at the teaching of Jesus, this response is just the beginning. His word calls forth belief, as we affirm the truth of what he says. Moreover, it summons us to repentance, as we turn our lives around and follow him. And when we follow Jesus, everything begins to change.
Reflect
How do you respond to the authority of Jesus?
Can you think of a time when you responded to the teaching of Jesus in a specific, even a costly way? If so, what was that like for you?
In what ways are you seeking to follow him each day?
Act
Talk with a wise friend or your small group about how the teaching of Jesus makes a difference in their life.
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for the directness and incisiveness of your teaching. You are, indeed, one who teaches with authority.
Forgive me, Lord, when I marvel at your authority, yet fail to believe and obey. By your Spirit, help me to respond to your teaching by turning my whole life around and offering it to you. May I live under your righteous and gracious authority each and every moment of each and every day.
To you be all the glory. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Mark 1:21–28. Jesus Heals on the Sabbath.
Mark D. Roberts
Senior Fellow
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Fellow for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders, and t...