Mark 1: 21-39
What Type Of Authority Does Jesus Have?

Scripture Reading 

Prayer 

Intro:  Super heros – Batman, Ironman, Hancock, Hellboy, and the Hulk.

Have you checked movie listings recently, the summer spate of superhero films has hit theatres and nearly run its course.  Batman, Ironman, Hancock, Hellboy, and the Hulk.  I’ve not seen any of these films and I’m not recommending them, but they do carry a certain appeal don’t they.  What is it about superhuman capacity that so enamors the American conscience?  After all we live in perhaps the wealthiest and most powerful nation the world has known, at least in terms of household abundance and military might, if not also in terms of intellectual capital and technological advancement.  But in the superhero genre these same qualities are portrayed in microcosm, investing one individual with (nearly) unlimited wealth and superior coercive force, exceptional intellect and access to hyper advanced technology.  The genre is formulaic, a regular human becomes superhuman, through personal investment, ingenuity, training, chemical or bio-genetic accident.  As a result, under transformation, he has the ability to throw off the limitations of everyday life.  Gravity and bullets no longer concern (the man of steel); former rules do not apply.  All this serves as an intoxicating opportunity for movie-goers to vicariously enter a world in which to some degree they become their own authority and play by their own rules no longer vulnerable to the standard perils of life in the world– and most importantly they have the ability to set things right, to single-handedly confront injustice, intimidate oppressors, and overcome the forces of evil.  In Hellboy, we have a hero who especially holds power in the spiritual realm, a benevolent demon put the service of the American government to protect us all from evil spirits.  You see the superhero trip allows us to dream of putting all fears aside, we can imagine that even the darkest and most mysterious of threats are tackled by the hero.  But in reality the American government does not hold authority over the spiritual realm, nor with all of our force and intellect and technology and wealth do we have the capacity as a nation to put aside injustice and crime and evil.  We can make steps toward justice, yes, and we should but despite our best efforts the streets are still plagued with crime and those with power still abuse it for selfish gain.  And despite our technological advancements and advanced education, human authority remains quite limited, we still get sick, we still suffer injury and hurt one another, and we’re still subject to ignorance, to spiritual and psychological oppression. 

We like to think of ourselves as strong and in control, and if you have experienced a significant measure of health and wealth in your life it becomes easier to delude yourself into believing that you can protect yourself from all dangers and overcome the evils of this world.  Especially if your advantages in life have afforded you an advanced education, the temptation is to begin viewing oneself as a kind of autonomous authority – like the superhero.  But despite these ambitious delusions, in actuality we remain fragile creatures don’t we.  Josh Adams’ frightful accident on the job this past week (should) remind us all that the strongest of men among us may be crushed in a moment.  [And we rightly praise our God that (with a cracked vertebrae) Josh is still alive, that he can still move his limbs, and we rightly turn to God in prayer for his healing.]  Despite our pretensions to control, we remain, from day to day, subject to many powers, authorities, and forces beyond our control, and beyond our understanding. We remain physically subject to gravity and appetite, vulnerable to injury and disease, we are not self-sustained mentally, but must instead rely upon limited reporting and appeal to the opinion of experts in various fields.  And according to the Scriptures, there is an active spiritual realm beyond the ambit of human vision, mysterious powers and afflictions which are not explained away by the best of psychiatry.  We’re pretty good at damage control and coping with the afflictions of this world, but in ourselves we don’t have the power to set things right. 

Even in our own fields of study, if we are scholars, we must always appeal to other scholars, documents, and experimental findings in order to validate our own research.) 

Bond:  The gospel of Mark claims (there is) a certain authority in Jesus Christ that moves beyond even what we project upon our superheroes.  His manner of fighting and striving is different than what we might have imagined in a Messiah.  He overcomes (the) dark spirits by the word of his mouth, he heals sickness by the touch of his hand, and he speaks truth without appealing to scholars and scribes.  According to Mark, Jesus has the power to set things right. 

Mark’s witness intends to demonstrate that…

Prop: Because Jesus has authority over all earthly powers,

We must look to him to set things right. 

First…

MP1:  Because Jesus has authority over scribes (religious authority),

We must look to him to set things right.

Mark indicates here that Jesus does not hold derived authority, but intrinsic authority.

SP1:  Jesus does not hold a derivative authority.

The Jewish scribes of the first century were religious scholars, trained experts in the Mosaic law and the Hebrew prophets – they knew their Bibles – and they were, in fact, responsible for copying and preserving the text itself over time – we are indebted to them for this labor in God’s Word.  But they not only studied the scriptures, they also studied rabbinic oral traditions.  Scribal students submitted themselves to a particular Rabbi or “master” and as G. H. Twelftree puts it - “A student was expected to reproduce every word and expression of his teacher.”  Of course, the teacher himself sought to reproduce the words of his previous teacher.  So whenever a scribe taught, he would appeal to his teacher, and thereby derive his authority from tradition.  Jesus does not derive authority by reference to rabbis; instead Jesus teaches from an intrinsic personal authority. 

SP2:  Jesus holds an intrinsic authority.

Jesus is not a scribe. He does demonstrate a masterful knowledge of the Law and the Prophets, and he does also show familiarity with Jewish traditions.  But Jesus does not appeal to scribal interpretations when he makes a proclamation.  This is what Mark means when he says the people in the synagogue – “were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”  When Jesus speaks, he bases his authority in himself.  His authority is intrinsic to his own person. 

Illus:  If you take up the study of a classic piece of English literature like Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Milton’s Paradise Lost then your first and most fundamental step in the learning process will be to pick up the book and read it with your own eyes, form an opinion about what you think it says and means, maybe read it through a second time or third time and take notes.  But eventually, if you want to write about it, if you want to teach others about the book, then you’ll have to engage the critics and read many commentators expressing various views about why the book was written what the language really indicates, and who the author was.  The commentators are sure to contrast and even to contradict one another directly – after all scholars are paid to have differing opinions.  If the book is complicated and important, then the web of commentators and opinions grows exponentially – sometimes causing great confusion about the meaning of the text.  James Joyce is said to have boasted once that his book Ullysses should “keep the professors busy for centuries”.  You see his point.  If you become a teacher or an expert you will add your comments and opinions to the rest and life will go on.  Your authority to interpret someone else’s book is only relative, derived from study.

But what would it be like if you met the author, if you could have a seat alongside Shakespeare in the Globe theatre and ask him why he included a particular scene.  He might reveal deeper intentions than you had imagined, or simply explain that the scene aims to make people laugh.  I realize there is debate about the relative significance of an author’s intentions relative to the reader’s own encounter or interpretation.  But I believe authorial intent matters, and when I hear an author speak about the nature of his work I listen up because I believe he does have an intrinsic authority to interpret and explain and even to change his own work.  Jesus is not just another commentator on the cosmos, he is the maker of the cosmos, the author of truth.  And when he speaks he need not appeal to secondary tradition; he speaks from his own authority. 

App:  Knowing Jesus’ intrinsic authority above scribes means that we can confidently look to Jesus above human traditions and interpretations.  It means that appealing directly to Jesus can clear away a great deal of religious confusion. He is not just another voice in the cacophony of religious claims.  When you are confused by commentators and perplexed by preachers about the nature of your Christian faith, about what it means to walk as a disciple of Christ.  I encourage you to look straight to the source to set things right.  Open up the scriptures, read the gospels.  You should regularly ask yourself the question – how does this issue relate to the person and work, the teaching and ministry of Jesus Christ?  Do not go first to the scribes, first to the commentators.  Go first to Jesus.  He is accessible here in his word, and he is also accessible in prayer.  But please don’t Jesus teaching be the last place that you look for consolation and direction.  His words may not always be comfortable, but they have authority.  Jesus holds authority over scribes, 

but he also has authority over unclean spirits.

MP2:  Because Jesus has authority over evil spirits,

We must look to him to set things right.

SP1: Demons are real.

I realize that Western society is disinclined to believe in the existence of demons at all; we have more sophisticated psychological categories and medical explanations for such phenomena.  Forgoing an extended defense of their existence, I’ll simply make a few comments about the New Testament’s treatment of the topic. Whatever you may be inclined to believe about demons, the New Testament does assume their existence as real and active agents of evil in the spiritual realm.  Demons are mentioned sparsely in the Old Testament, but the gospel narratives indicate that there was (and is) a concentration of demonic activity confronting the proclamation of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.  It does not suffice to claim that Demonization or oppression may simply be equated with epilepsy or other diseases mentioned in Jesus’ healing encounters.  Matthew, in fact, gives a list which shows his awareness of distinction differentiating such afflictions.  Matt 4: 24 “…and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.”  There’s much more to be said, but Biblical cosmology accepts that demons are real (apparently created beings, fallen from grace), and that they tremble in the presence of Jesus. 

SP2: The authority in Jesus’ presence intimidates demons.

As we read on in the gospel it will become clear that most everyone he encounters gets confused about who Jesus is.  They stumble over his identity because he does not fit the normal categories.  People bring inquiring and accusing questions, some slander him and others praise him.  In v. 37 the disciples provoke Jesus to cater to the crowds. – “Everyone is looking for you”- they tell him, but Jesus will not be manipulated by crowd appeal.  In the end the crowds will ask for his crucifixion. “He came to his own and his own people did not receive him.” Says John 1: 11.  Everyone seems to miscalculate and underestimate Jesus.  But in contrast to others, these unclean spirits recognize the Son of God from the beginning; they know him and they fear him because they know his presence indicates their demise.  After all he has just resisted their master in the wilderness.  They name him correctly, in contrast to their uncleanness he is “The Holy One of God”.  Jesus’ presence intimidates the demons and his word obligates them. 

SP3: The authority of Jesus’ Word obligates demons.

Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and the spirit immediately obeys.  V. 27 says “…they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this?  A new teaching with authority?  He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”  Do you see it?  There is a strong link (made) here between the coming of the Truth and the cleansing away of wickedness, impurity, uncleanness.  Mark Karlberg notes that Jesus’ casting out of demons stands in contrast to the work of ancient exorcists which entailed elaborate ritual.  There is no ritual here; there is not even an appeal to the name of God as a higher authority.  No, Jesus simply speaks his word, and the spirit flees.  Jesus’ word obligates the demons. 

Illus:  My friend Macklann Basse is from the tiny nation of Togo in West Africa.  He is also a graduate of Covenant Seminary and an associate pastor at our church in St. Louis.  Macklann fled Togo seeking political asylum in the U.S.  He was threatened there because his preaching of the gospel was becoming to influential and was considered politically disruptive to ruling regime.  Macklann had taken the lead of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship for the entire nation of Togo, and he had his own radio program there.  He would travel from place to place preaching the gospel. Macklann has more experience in dealing with the demonic that I do.  You may know that West Africa is the seedbed of Voodoo tradition, animistic primal religions still prevail among much of the populace, and these old traditions often mix and vie for attention among Christians and Muslims in Togo.  On the street markets you can buy monkey heads, decaying dead birds, and animal skulls from the fetish vendors for use in rituals calling upon various spirits.  One of these spirits is know as Togo-Zegwe power.

One day while Macklann was preaching in a village known for its devotion to the Togo-Zegwe power, in the middle of his message, Macklann had the sudden impulse to stop preaching and to speak against this particular evil spirit.  He says he did not understand why, but he followed his impulse, stepped toward the front row and said “Togo-Zegwe power down! Togo-Zegwe power down!” and then he kept on preaching.  Now I assure you that Macklann is a good Presbyterian who has read John Calvin (probably in the original French) and knows his theology well.  But (like Calvin) he also believes in demons, and he has seen the oppressive effects of unclean spirits upon the people of his home country. As a matter of fact, Macklann grew up in a family which made regular goat sacrifices at the base of a particular sacred tree.  Anyway, after the meeting some of the locals came to Macklann in astonishment and they asked him if he knew that he was standing directly in front of the high-priest of the Togo-Zegwe cult when he had made is proclamation against it.  Of course, Macklann did not realize this.  But when they warned him to watch out because this shaman would use his power to curse Macklann, seeking his death.  Macklann simply smiled and said, “Well, he’s going to have to come through the blood of Jesus first if he wants to get to me.” 

App:  By faith You also can claim the name of Jesus in authority over the spiritual realm.  You don’t have to be afraid of unknown forces if your trust remains in Jesus, call upon him and he will deliver.  If you are tormented by dark dreams, or submitting to psychological compulsion, you don’t have to stay there if your trust is in Jesus. He has authority over the spiritual realm.

There is power available in dark spirits, I believe it.  But there is more power in Jesus Christ.  And because Jesus holds authority over spirits, we rely on him to set things right in the spiritual realm.  But I urge you not to take the demonic lightly.  C.S. Lewis was right when he said in his preface to the Screwtape Letters that “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils.  One is to disbelieve in their existence.  The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.  They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and [they] hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”  Unclean spirits are not only operative in Africa, they are here in Georgia as well.  I knew people in high school and in college who were actively and openly engaged in witchcraft and the occult, inviting spirits into their lives.  And I don’t mean superficial dabbling, I mean they were devoted in doctrine and in practice.  If you don’t believe me, go to Borders books and check out the Wicca section, you’ll not just find stories but instruction manuals, and loads of them.  There was nearly an entire wall of them at the store in the mall of Georgia when I was there at Christmas.  And remember, Borders only carries books that sell.  In the lobby there were Tarot Card gift packages available for a special holiday purchase.  I charge you this morning, do not consult the spirits if you are tempted to do so, they will deceive and destroy you.  Consult Jesus Christ, he holds authority over the spirits. 

We’ve seen his authority over scribes and spirits, but

Finally…

MP3:  Because Jesus holds authority also over sickness,

We must look to him to set things right.

Jesus touches people with healing authority and he welcomes people with healing authority. 

SP1: Jesus touches with healing authority.

Having cast out the unclean spirit with a word in the synagogue, Jesus immediately turns to heal sickness with a touch in Simon’s house.  No words are spoken, no ritual performed.  Jesus enters a house where there is fever, and upon learning this he immediately restores the afflicted woman by simply taking her hand.  The woman does not just feel a little better, she is fully restored to serving the household!  Jesus holds authority over the human body, and he touches with healing in his wings.

And….

SP2: Jesus (also) welcomes with healing authority.

v. 32 indicates that as evening set in, Jesus’ Sabbath workday was not yet done.  They brought to him all who were sick and oppressed by demons in the area and he healed them.  Jesus is a welcoming Messiah, and welcomes as one with authority to heal. 

Illus:  How would you like it if this Sunday evening we bring everyone who is currently sick and oppressed by demons in Athens to your front door?  You’d probably want to shut the door, go back inside, and have some tea or ice-cream.  You might even call the police.  Not Jesus, he’s a welcoming Messiah, and he welcomes with authority over sickness. 

App: Every Sunday we cry out to God in prayer for those who are afflicted by disease and injury in our midst.  That’s the right response in the face of affliction.  Jesus holds the answer to human frailty.  He has authority over your ailments and afflictions today, and by grace through faith he will restore you to the fullness of health in the fullness of his time, he often brings healing in this life, but he promises healing at the resurrection.  Whatever diet you may be on today, whatever pills you may be prescribed, I encourage you this morning to set you trust and confidence for health ultimately only in Jesus Christ.  He welcomes you with healing in his wings. 

Concl:  We have seen that Mark puts the authority of Jesus on display in chapter one.  Jesus demonstrates authority over scribes, over spirits, and over sickness.  Even though we’ve said Jesus has intrinsic authority in his own person, yet Jesus sourced his power in community with the Father and the Holy Spirit.   Vv. 35-39  After a long day of teaching and healing and setting things right, Jesus rises early to pray.  All this discussion of authority draws our attention to the divinity of Jesus Christ, but in celebrating Jesus divine authority, we must not forget his humanity.  Jesus rose early in the morning to pray alone because he needed some space, and because he wanted to speak with his Father.  Many preacher’s have said it before me, but it’s worth saying again.  If Jesus Christ wanted and needed so desperately to pray to his Father that he rose before daylight to seek him, don’t you think you and I would benefit from the same from time to time.  I’m not saying that you should be up before dawn praying every morning.  The text doesn’t say that Jesus did this every morning.  But I am saying you should consider doing this sometimes, especially at crucial decision making projects or the beginning of weighty endeavors.  Pray to God, early and often.  Jesus grounded his power in community with his Father.  He invites you to do the same.