Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

— 21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then 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, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

It took me a couple of goes re-reading this gospel to work out who was speaking to Jesus. Initially I thought it was the man but then realised it was not him – it was the unclean spirit speaking through him. “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

This passage is found at the very start of Mark’s gospel. Jesus has been baptised, called his first disciples and he has just come to Capernaum. The people of this synagogue don’t know who he truly is.

“What have you to do with us? Have you come to destroy us?” asks the spirit.

“Be silent, and come out of him!” Jesus commands.

This man was lost to this spirit, as it was able to take over his voice and speak out loud in the synagogue. Imagine the effect it was having on his life. But in this command, Jesus liberates him, and sets him free.

Jesus can destroy the very things that try to destroy us. I can’t imagine the affliction this man endured, but I know what it is to be burdened by sin; to feel weakened by temptation. If I were to put myself before Jesus in those moments and let him destroy the things that try to destroy me, I would see the authority of Jesus, the power of Christ, just as those in the synagogue witnessed that day.

It’s the authority available to us, when we call on the name of Jesus.

+ Jesus, speak Your word of freedom in my life and make me whole with Your love.