Jan 30, 2018
What is it that makes Jesus’ ministry so different from the ministry of other teachers of his time?
Mark says that Jesus speaks with substance and with authority that is instantaneously recognizable to all who heard him. This authority of Jesus is not only seen this week but also last week in the call to the disciples who immediately left everything to follow Jesus. This week his authority to teach and his authority over evil are explored but Jesus’ character and authority continue to be explored by our Bible readings from Mark right up until the 19th of February when we hear the story of the Transfiguration. Some modern scholars believe that as an outstanding teacher perhaps Jesus was acknowledged as someone with authority, like the great Rabbis Gamaliel, and Hillel etc. Such Rabbi’s were allowed to make their own interpretations of the Law. Jesus arguably went further – rewriting the law. On what basis did he do this?
Questions for thought or discussion:
What do you think of the notion of authority? What do you think of the notion of evil? If Jesus has authority over evil, what could that mean for the Christian life? Why did people listen to Jesus?