Authority (Mark 1:21-34)

"...he [Jesus] taught them as one who had authority" (Mk 1:22). "The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority!" (Mk 1:27).

I: Authority in Word (Mk 1:21-22). Jesus teaches with authority.

II: Authority over Demons (Mk 1:23-28). Jesus exercises authority over demonic powers.

III: Authority over Sickness (Mk 1:29-31). Jesus exercises authority over sickness.

IV: Authority to the Multitudes (Mk 1:32-34). Jesus compassionately welcomes the multitudes.

• How is human authority different from divine (spiritual) authority?
• Note: You don't have to read all the Bible references to answer the questions.

1. Why is Mk 1:15 a pivotal verse that summarizes Jesus' entire message in Mark's Gospel? 
• Why is this "good news" [evangelion (εὐαγγέλιον)] (Isa 61:1; Lk 4:18; 2 Tim 2:8; 1 Cor 15:1-4)?
• Why is this proclamation subversive (Jn 18:36)?
• How does this demonstrate God's initiative (Jn 3:16; 15:16; 1 Jn 4:19)? 
• What is the appropriate required response (Mk 1:15c)? How do you do this (Ps 139:23-24, 1; Gen 16:13; cf. 2 Th 1:8; 1 Pet 4:17)?
• Is God's love and grace unconditional or unconditioned (Mt 7:7)?
2. How does Jesus' Sabbath activity challenge religious expectations (Mk 1:21; Exo 20:8-11; Isa 58:13-14; Lk 13:10-12, 14-16)? Why were the people "astonished" at Jesus' teaching (Mk 1:22, 27-28)? How is Jesus' authority different from that of the scribes (Mt 7:28-29; 5:21-22, 27-28)?
• What is the foundation of His authority (2 Tim 3:16; Heb 4:12; Mt 28:18)? How does this apply to you (Jas 1:25; Gal 4:9)?
3. What is the cosmic conflict expressed by the demon recognizing Jesus as "the Holy One of God" (Mk 1:24; Jas 2:19; Gen 3:5, 15; 2 Cor 6:14-15)?
• Why does Jesus sternly silence the demon (Mk 1:25) and others repeatedly (Mk 1:34, 44; 3:12; 8:30; Jn 2:4; 7:6; 6:15)? [This is the Messianic Secret.]
4. How is Jesus' authority displayed in both what He says (Mk 1:25) and what happens (Mk 1:26)? What does this reveal about His kingdom (Mk 1:27-28; Lk 10:17-18; 1 Cor 4:20)?
5. How does Jesus' actions with the sick woman (Mk 1:31) compare with that of the demon-possessed man (Mk 1:25)? What does this show about Him? What did she do after Jesus healed her? How is service a mark of true restoration in God's kingdom (Mk 10:45)?
6. Why did the people wait until "evening" (Mk 1:32-33)? What does this detail reveal about the people's priorities and needs?
7. How was it for Jesus to teach all morning (Mk 1:21-22), deal with a difficult demanding demoniac (Mk 1:23-27), heal Simon's wife (Mk 1:30-31), and after working tirelessly all day to then meet and heal countless sick and demon-possessed people till late at night (Mk 1:34)?

• As a Christian, what perception do you have of your own authority?

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