A way to live a mission in your church;
Respect and work with leaders and members who have special abilities and power.
Based on Mark 1:21-28
A way to live a mission in your church based on Mark 1:21-28, a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, 1/28/18.
Jesus and his disciples arrive in Capernaum on the Sabbath (Friday night through Saturday afternoon). Jesus teaches as visiting leaders were often invited to do. His teaching astounds his listeners because he teaches like a trained rabbi. He does not teach like the scribes who center on interpreting the specifics of Jewish law.
Suddenly, a man appears who is possessed by a demon and, thereby, unfit (unclean) for worship or fellowship with God as the religion of the day teaches. The man cries out, “What do you want from us Jesus? Do you want to destroy us?” Jesus is recognized for who he is—“the Holy One of God.” Jesus says, “Be silent and come out of him.” The unclean spirit convulses the man and leaves him with a loud cry.
All in the congregation are amazed at what Jesus has just taught and the authority with which he has done it. Further, his way of casting out the demon seems to have been unlike that of any other healer.
A theme: The special content of Jesus’ teaching and his special way of casting out a demon arouse wonder in the crowd.
