In today’s reading we first encounter one of the dominating themes throughout the book of Mark: the people are constantly amazed by Jesus, but yet they fail to recognize who he is. Only the demons truly recognize him. However, we also see repeated twice that Jesus’ teaching had authority behind it, unlike the teachers of the law. This is not merely religious teaching that Jesus brings with him. He brings with him the power of God.
In this passage, we see that this power is made clear as Jesus frees those who are demon-possessed. In other accounts, we see Jesus freeing people from sickness and disease. If we are to teach with the power of Jesus, we must ask ourselves what social ills in our culture Jesus longs to heal. Religion is not enough to stand against addictions to alcohol and drugs, the decay of the family, and the poverty that we see so rampant in our community. People need the power of God. People need Jesus.
Ask yourself these two questions today: First, Am I living with the power of God, or am I merely being religious? Secondly, who am I overlooking or writing off that truly needs the power of God?
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