Real Authority (Mark 1:16-45)
Jesus announced; “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) But what is the ‘kingdom’, what did Jesus mean when He said that?
Mark 1:16-45 and the rest of the Gospel will show what Jesus meant. The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God (Jesus) over all things. Just like a king on this earth has authority over the domain of his kingdom, Jesus as King and kings has rule and dominion over all things everywhere.
Here in these verses we see Jesus’ authority four distinct ways;
- Jesus’ authority over people’s lives & their destinies (1:16-20)
The still relatively unknown Jesus meets Simon & Andrew, James & John by the lakeside and simply calls them to follow Him and they do! They leave their livelihood, leave their father and join Jesus on a journey into the unknown trusting Him. Jesus ‘knows the plans he has for us…’, when we respond to His call on our lives, we choose to trust Him, His goodness and His authority.
- Jesus’ authority over the demonic realm (1:21-28 &34&39)
Jesus starts to teach in the synagogue and all of a sudden the demonic influence in a man starts making a scene at the prospect of King Jesus being in the room. After a very short rebuke to be silent, Jesus commands the demons to leave the man alone and they have to, he is freed! No power struggle at all, just a simple authoritative command from the King.
- Jesus’ authority over sickness (1:29-34)
Jesus arrives in the home of Simon & Andrew, their mother-in-law is ill, Jesus doesn’t even pray for her, no drama, just authority as He took her by the hand and the fever left her. Word gets out and “all who were sick and oppressed by demons” (vs32) get brought so that it felt like the whole city was at the door of the house and Jesus heals & delivers ‘many’ from all sorts of various diseases. Whatever it was, Jesus’ authority over it was demonstrated in that moment.
- Jesus’ authority through his teaching (1:22&27&39)
Jesus was different, when He taught, they marvelled at His authority, when He commanded demons to be silent or to leave a person alone – they had to do so. Just as an earthly king has authority within the realm of his kingdom, so too Jesus has authority over His entire realm, which is the entire universe, so His words are all powerful & have all authority.
Lastly, an outcast, a Leper comes to Jesus imploring Him; “If you will, you can make me clean” (vs40) to which Jesus moved with pity for the man replies; “I will, be clean.” (vs41) Although Jesus is the ultimate authority in the universe, He is not aloof in the least, but left heaven to enter our humanity, stops for the outcast and is moved in His heart for this man. What a King Jesus is! What authority, what love!
Contemplate: How is Jesus’ authority & His love connected to our prayers?Pray: Is there anything, I mean anything you need to ask King Jesus for…ask Him.
Two words that matter 