Mark 1: 21-28
verses 25-26: “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
How do we think about evil spirits today? I have a friend who talks about spiritual warfare and I never know how to engage in that conversation. It is particularly difficult for me as a psychiatrist. We are constantly bombarded with new discoveries about the origins and chemistry of mental illness. Interestingly, it has been a field of medicine which has somewhat lagged behind others in terms of treatments and “cures.” But I am convinced of God’s ability and power to heal ANY ailment. Was this spirit a mental illness, or was it a spirit from Satan? Our science will not answer this question, but I can continue to pray for healing for all of the people I am trying to help.
Holy Father, Thank you for allowing me to serve you by helping your people with their mental health. Please be with me each day and renew me with a clean, patient and kind heart. I ask for your healing hand to be there with mine, every day. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Mark 1:21-28
Jesus enters the synagogue at Capernaum and begins to teach. There’s nothing unusual about this, any Jewish man can teach in the synagogue. Jesus did not have any power at all. He was not a king, a politician or a scribe.The only authority he had was the supreme confidence that what he did and said was God’s will and God’s truth. His authority was in the power of his words and acts. Jesus was interrupted by a man who was possessed with evil spirits (demons). As he cried out saying he knew who Jesus was Jesus rebuked him, saying be quiet, and come out of him. The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, ca…
Mark 1: 21-28
22 The people were amazed at his teaching because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
I know that Jesus has authority and strength. Jesus’ words are true and reliable. His authority comes from God the Father. The Bible tells us all we need to know about Jesus. The Bible is the true source of all the information I need to know about the word of God. I know I can rely on Jesus’ help to heal me. My relying on Jesus lets me know that He will listen to me and take care of me. Jesus is in control.
Dearest Lord give me the grace to always listen…
Mark 1:28 - “At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.”
Mark establishes this theme early in his gospel and it seems to make an ironic point about Jesus’ ministry. His authoritative teaching that amazed the people was centered on a life of faith and the coming kingdom of God, not a life of miraculous signs and wonders. The following is quoted from Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2021 from Loyola Press.
”Jonah converted the great city of Nineveh by his godliness and his preaching, not by miracles. Holiness is a greater marvel than special effects, but less easily recognized. The spectacular is what draws the crowds. Lord, your hand is more evident in saintliness…
Mark 1:21-26
I think verse 27 made an impression on me. – 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching . . .
Jesus’ teachings and actions were showing the people that only someone with authority from God could say and do what He was doing. He taught with authority because he was the embodiment of God’s word and he healed with authority directly from God. By giving orders to the impure spirit to leave the man, he was teaching the people in a way that words alone could not.
Dear Lord thank you for this opportunity to learn more about you each day. Amen.