Reality Has Arrived

Mark 1:14-28

Jesus Announces the Good News

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

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. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure 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 impure 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 impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

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The central message of Jesus is that God’s Reality has arrived (though is not yet completely present). This reality was present in Eden, but human rebellion made it impossible. Now, however, what the prophets—and in fact the entire Old Testament—were talking about has come near, and Jesus wants people to turn around and trust his message.

What is the Kingdom like? Well, it is for everyone, not just for the important people. (Even Galillean fishermen!) And, it’s a reality in which broken things are made whole. We are uncomfortable with the exorcisms of Jesus, but they are such an important part of his ministry that Mark makes a point to highlight them for us; among other reasons, the exorcisms show that Jesus has “authority” over all other powers, and that his authority is meant to bring healing and wholeness and order.

How can you be a disciple of Jesus today (“disciple” just means “student”) and bring healing and wholeness and order wherever you go? How can we be witnesses to the Kingdom today?

P.S. Most of our staff went to breakfast yesterday after the 7 AM Ash Wednesday service—grateful!

Jesus & the Demonic

Mark tells us that the central message of Jesus was that the Kingdom of God has arrived through him. This message provokes immediate conflict, and one of the forms this conflict takes in Mark's Gospel is spiritual conflict with the demonic powers. For many modern Americans, the idea of demonic oppression is lunacy. Yet, I don't think you can read Mark and conclude that the conflict Jesus has with demons is merely metaphorical. I have personally never seen a demon, but I do know that Christians in other parts of the world have a much wider view of spiritual conflict than most Americans, and I know enough about life to admit that there do seem to be evil forces at work warping and tempting human desires. That said, however, the point of today's reading is not the reality of evil, but the power of Christ over evil. I find this comforting: Jesus is stronger. Period.

Today’s Scripture

Mark 1:14-28

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