The GOAT

Today’s passage is Mark 1:21-28. With a humble heart, see what sticks out to you in this passage.  Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage?  After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below.  Let’s go!

Mark 1:21-22 (NIV)
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.

On verses 21-22:  Jesus was far more than just a teacher, but what a teacher he was.  There was something about Jesus’ teachings that carried weight and authority that other teachers of the time did not have (v22).  Not only did Jesus amaze people with His teachings when Jesus walked this earth, but two thousand years later no one else’s teachings have ever come close to having the impact that Jesus’ teachings have had and still have.   When it comes to our sins, Jesus is our sacrificial lamb, and when it comes to teaching humanity, Jesus is the G.O.A.T., the greatest of all time.  So when you open your Bible and read Jesus’ teachings, remember that you are reading the most precious, brilliant and powerful teachings that there have ever been spoken. The most important and powerful words you can cling to are Jesus’ words.

Mark 1:23-28 (NIV)
23  Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil 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 evil 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 evil spirits and they obey him.”
28  News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

On verses 23-28:   In the middle of Jesus teaching, a man possessed with an evil spirit cries out to Jesus.  Others may have seen this as an interruption.  Jesus saw this as an opportunity to display His power.  He would take this interruption as an opportunity to show that he was more than a teacher with wisdom and authority; Jesus had power and authority over evil spirits.  He casts the evil spirit out of the man.

Notice that this demon-possessed man was not found on the outskirts of the city, in some downtown back alley or in a hospital.  Rather, he was in the synagogue, in “church” if you will.  Jesus didn’t order the man out; instead he ordered the demon out.  It’s a reminder that the church was never meant to be a place for perfect people, but a place where the bound can find freedom, the broken can find healing, and the hopeless can find hope.

Are you hurting, broken, oppressed, depressed, or battling a demon?  Cry out to Jesus.  He is ready, willing and able to help you.

Jesus, You are the G.O.A.T. when it comes to teaching, and You are the name that every spirit must bow down to.  Thank You that You are happy to hear us cry out to You in our brokenness and pain and that when we cry out to You You respond with compassion, love and delivering power.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!