Tag: Mark 1:23-28
“What is This?”
Scripture reading for November 3: Mark 1:23-28 “And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know Who You are–the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And 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.” And at once His fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”
As we go to Mark’s account of Jesus’ ministry, we find this story of the man with the unclean spirit. It is interesting to note that this man was in the synagogue where Jesus was teaching. The unclean spirit in the man cried out to Jesus, recognizing Him by name, Jesus of Nazareth. He also declared that He was the ‘Holy One of God.” Jesus did not address the man, but rebuked the unclean spirit telling it to be silent and come out. The spirit immediately obeyed Jesus, and came out of the man with convulsions and crying out with a loud voice as it left.
Through this simple act of power over an unclean spirit, Jesus caused a stir in the temple among the Jews. They began to ask each other and themselves, “What is this?” How did Jesus have this authority? How could He command this spirit to be quiet and come out? Who is this “Jesus of Nazareth” and is He the “Holy One of God”? The people were amazed and spread the story of this man’s deliverance throughout the region.
As we look to Scripture and Jesus Christ for insight into divine healing and deliverance from spirits of bondage, we also begin to enter into this story and ask the questions that were being asked in Jesus’ day. “What is this?” causes us to ponder Jesus Christ and His authority and deeds of mercy. It helps us to face a decision to begin to believe that Jesus is the “Holy One of God” because only God could do what we need.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One of God and Son of God! Thank you for Your authority and healing grace! I will spread the Good News everywhere! Amen!