While teaching in the Capernaum synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus is interrupted by a demon-possessed man. Jesus then rebukes the demon, commanding it to shut up and get out of the man. After its violent exit, people in the synagogue are not only amazed with Jesus authoritative words, but astonished by His authoritative works. He proclaims the inbreaking kingdom of God in both word and deed
In response to Jesus’ exorcism, which confirms the validity of His teaching about the inbreaking kingdom of God, the people in the Capernuam synagogue are astonished. Some may be amazed, others may be alarmed/afraid. In Mark, when Jesus preaches and teaches, He provokes a range of reactions. And, He backs up His authoritative words with authoritative works. The fame of Jesus spreads. But this is not to be equated with genuine faith in Jesus.
After a demon-possessed man interrupts Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, Jesus rebukes the demon, commanding it to shut up and come out. Acknowledging Jesus’ divine authority, the demon makes a violent exit — immediately. This is an awesome demonstration of the inbreaking kingdom of God that is invading the domain of Satan. Jesus not only proclaims the kingdom, He backs up His words with authoritative action.
The demon who possesses the man in the synagogue at Capernaum recognizes Jesus’ divine credentials and His readiness for spiritual battle. In Mark, many people will struggle with Jesus’ identity — as they still do today! But even the demons know that Jesus is the Holy One, the Son of God.
While Jesus is teaching with divine authority in the synagogue in Capernaum, a man with a defiling spirit (i.e., a demon) interrupts. In the New Testament, physical disease and demonic possession are distinguished; the latter requires divine intervention from a higher divine authority (i.e., Jesus). Nonetheless, both Christ’s healings and exorcisms are manifestations of the inbreaking kingdom of God He proclaimed.
In the synagogue at Capernaum, Jesus teaches with divine authority that far surpasses that of the scribes (i.e., teachers of the Law) — who will opppose Christ throughout Mark. The people are awestruck at Jesus’ authoritative teaching — but awe does not = faith.
After calling His first disciples, they enter the synagogue of Capernaum on the Sabbath. As was His custom, Jesus begins to teach — schooling people in a town that will serve as His home base.
Because the appointed time has come, and the kingdom of God has come near, people should repent and believe in the gospel. Christ — the King — is both the message and the messenger. His first disciples exhibit the appropriate response to Christ’s radical claim: radical obedience
Like Simon and Andrew, Jesus calls James and John — an authoritative summons from the King. They respond appropriately: immediate, radical discipleship. They leave their family and their family business and begin to follow Jesus — to Whom everything else must be secondary.
Following the call of Simon and Andrew, Jesus fishes for their fishing partners: James and John. These “sons of thunder” — along with Simon (Peter) will form Jesus’ inner circle.
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