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Week:05, Season:1,
2015
Posted on Saturday by PCT
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The “Amazing” Teacher of the New Generation
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Scripture：《
Mark 1:21-28
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21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
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A British missionary couple served at the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) Taiwan for over thirty years; Martin and Angela Symonds, whom Taiwanese people called Brother Shih and Sister Anne, dedicated their missionary life to sharing the gospel with college students. Many students were curious about this couple and their words gradually became good teaching over time. Martin and Angela, as tutors, led student Bible study groups and taught students about the gospel of Christ. They invited students to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ as a way of building true friendship with students; they were also teachers encouraging students to think of their relationship with Christ. At first, many students came to them only because of their curiosity about “foreigners” (about which Martin often made a joke saying that he is a “lao yin (an English man)” not a “lao mei(an American.”), or simply just wanted to learn English from them. Martin and Angela’s patience and friendship led many students to find Jesus and their true goals in life.
“What is this？ A new teaching—and with authority!” The crowds had questions about Jesus’ teaching. The Jews whose country was occupied expected their Messiah to be a political and religious leader; so when Jesus appeared while the Roman Government ruled, he was the one expected by the Jews. The incarnate Christ opened up a new era and called all his disciples, but the first lesson for them was to face the battle with an impure spirit in a man. The Bible describes Jesus as a man with authority rather than a teacher of the law. His teaching was always linked with the miracles he performed.
What this teacher said amazed people
In this Bible passage, it does not mention details of Jesus’ teaching but we can find in Mark chapter 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” The author of Mark linked Jesus’ teaching with his miracles in order to include the whole mission of Jesus: his teaching, curing the sick and driving out demons, into the ministry of building the kingdom of God. The purpose of Jesus coming into this world is to claim the gospel of the kingdom of God. He is the king of this kingdom. Curing many and driving out impure spirits symbolises the power of the kingdom of God working through Jesus’ authority.
Unlike the teachers of the law, Jesus’ teaching is charismatic. His role as a prophet is also closely related to his role as a teacher. He travelled to many places to preach and perform miracles. Therefore, the crowed were amazed by him and said, “What is this？ A new teaching—and with authority!” Jesus’ teaching is given with authority; unlike the teaching of the scribes which could be exaggerated, Jesus’ teaching is something never been heard before. He took real care to interpret his teaching for his listeners and to change the traditional role of what the Jews considered a teacher should be. This is why Jesus is capable of expressing his personal charisma. He has the power to change completely the definition of righteous person and the expectation of how such a person should be. One of Mark’s central messages in this passage is to emphasise that Jesus has the authority to drive out impure spirits. Mark drew on Jesus’ authority to witness that Jesus is the king of the kingdom of God.
The teacher can drive out an impure spirit
Isn’t it ironic to have an impure spirit in the synagogue？ This miracle tells us that it is a battle between the impure spirit and Jesus Christ not between the demon-possessed person and Jesus. The scene of this damaging action of the impure spirt was a Sabbath service in the synagogue. It seems that the author intended to point out that people were suffering under the power of evil. The authority of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, is greater than the impact of the impure spirit on the people; the “Holy” Spirit never compromises to the “impure” spirit; wherever the Holy Spirit goes, there is no space for the impure spirit to hide. This Bible passage shows that the author of Mark put Jesus’ teaching to explain why a person needs the teaching of Christ that is to eliminate the evil power before God’s power rules one’s heart. “Why have you violated my site？” A complaint from the impure spirit to Jesus. The purpose of Jesus coming to the world is to build the kingdom of God and before this, he must eliminate the opposing power, the impure one.
The impure spirit called Jesus “Jesus of Nazareth” and “the Holy One of God.” A person’s name defines his life, character and destiny. Knowing the name means someone is in control of what or who this name represents. For instance, God created all creatures and allowed mankind to name all creatures; this shows that God gave the authority to control all animals to mankind. Therefore, when the impure spirit “cried out” Jesus’ name, it was actually trying to “challenge” Jesus because the impure spirit felt the power of Jesus. In conclusion, Jesus driving out the impure spirit is not a random event but a battle between the Spirit of God and the evil one.
A new teaching with authority
“A new teaching” indicates that Jesus’ teaching and miracles are new and with authority and it is a sign of the coming of a “new era” opened by the incarnate Christ. The teaching with authority is a sign of this new era and those who accept Jesus’ teaching will help him to gain the victory in this battle. This powerful statement fits Jesus’ time and also the present time.
“News about Jesus spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.” The reputation of this amazing teacher was known to all nations but Jesus’ reaction to this was completely different from ordinary people.
The important role of managing authority: love!
How can we illustrate “authority”？ In the book “Mother Teresa, CEO: unexpected principles for practical leadership”, it mentions the powerful impact of Mother Teresa. The author of this book, Ruma Bose, analysed the following principles which Mather Teresa put into practice through the authority given to her by God: 1. Articulating a simple vision; 2. Knowing your ethical line; 3. Getting ready for your moment; 4. Embracing the power of doubt; 5. Discovering the joy of discipline; 6.Communicating in a language people understand; 7. Paying attention to the least important person; 8. Using the power of silence. Mother Teresa owned her unique call and mission to God; she was willing to humble herself and take care of “the poorest of the poor.” God’s call comes with his authority. Because of love, Mother Teresa applied her belief of “management for the holy call” to everything she did and spread this concept of love management to the entire world.
In recent years, with the so much celebrity news in the press, many “fans” are chasing their idols wherever they go. Sadly, some of the celebrities have lost their charm over time and cannot withstand the pressure of losing their performance stage; many choose the unfortunate road of alcohol and drug addiction and the saddest of all, choose to end their lives by suicide. Inevitably, young people have been deeply influenced by the negative behaviour of celebrities reported by the press. Shouldn’t we take action to boycott this negative news？ One important lesson from today’s Bible passage is in verse 28 that “news about Jesus spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.” As Jesus’ reputation spread, people began to follow him but he never changed his convictions even after thousands of people followed him. We see many Christian lose their true identity in being carried away by the emotion at a big prayer conference and forget one simple fact: we only need to come closer to this amazing teacher, Jesus; his new and powerful teaching with authority will definitely amaze and surrender our heart!
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For discussion：
1. What kind of person is Jesus？ Have you ever been amazed by any of Jesus’ teaching in your journey of faith？ Was there struggle or conflict in you when receiving Jesus teaching？
2. What are the unique characteristics of Jesus？ How should you lead people to know this amazing teacher？
Please pray for：
1. Brothers and sisters who play a teaching role at church. May the authority and power of Christ fill them so they may tell Jesus’ amazing teachings.
2. Teachers at church who are frustrated because of difficulties in their teaching work. May the comfort and healing of the Holy Spirit be with them and so that they can start their teaching work again.
Prayer：
Loving heavenly father, we thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to be the example of a teacher in our life. Jesus is the Lord with authority and power. We thank you for delivering us from the bondage of sin and giving us a chance to be born again for a new and amazing life. Lord Jesus, your example as God’s humble servant is worthy of learning. Please strengthen us to conquer the temptation from our enemies and claim that Jesus is the Messiah, our spiritual teacher! We shall never follow the evil power on the earth but only the path of Jesus. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Something you can do：
1. Taking part in the church’s teaching work such as leading a Bible study, teaching at Sunday school, becoming a church elder, deacon or fellowship worker. Attending relevant training to update educational method and strategies.
2. Aiming yourself as church or community’s “amazing teacher” by accompanying someone who seeks the truth. Praying for this person and inviting him/her to church activities and worship.
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