Jesus The Amazing Teacher Series

JESUS IS AMAZING: AN AMAZING TEACHER

Text: Mark 1:21-45; Psalm 103:1-5

Introduction

The one thing we can never do with Jesus is be bored by Him. We can reject Him, we can receive Him, we can love or hate him, but he can never be boring. We notice in Mark that people are often Astounded or Amazed by Jesus - and we should be as well.

Jesus is AMAZING! From the beginning of his ministry he was known as an amazing teacher.

They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. 22 They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. - Mark 1:21-22, CSB

As we step into a new year, I want us to step into a renewed perspective of Jesus and our love for Him. The rest of the chapter gives us settings in which we can see Jesus as an amazing teacher.

1. Jesus Had An Amazing Identity

Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other: “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.

-Mark 1:23-28, CSB

The demons who operate in a spiritual world knew who Jesus was - the Holy One of God! Jesus: Be quiet - lit. be muzzled, gagged. The demon came out because the One with authority commanded him to do so. 2nd time the text tells us that they were all amazed!

Jesus: Holy One of God who teaches with authority. Disciples of Jesus Christ are people who have placed their lives under the authority of Jesus. Troubles often come when we resist his authority. What does it mean to give Jesus Authority in our life? “Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His lordship.” -Elisabeth Elliot

2. Jesus Had Amazing Ability

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

-Mark 1:29-31

He was compassionate toward those who were ill. The Healing of Simon Peter’s mother in law: the power of Jesus over sickness and disease. This was not just to exemplify his ability but also his spirit - his compassion toward those who suffer.

What do we notice about Jesus here?

-He healed in spite of being tired. (evening )

-He healed in spite of the whole city gathered

-He healed in spite of knowing that they were only there for healing, not HIM.

-He healed without making any demands of faith

-He healed with no fanfare, not seeking to publicize himself yet.

I do not know anyone who has the healing touch of Jesus, but I know the One who still has that healing touch. Jesus still heals, though I do not know or understand . We can also be agents of healing in our world. Healing words - seeking reconciliation, offering comfort, urging enthusiasm. Healing actions - helping, he did not hold back. Healing teaching - sharing the gospel, and bearing the light of Christ to others. Healing attitudes - humble service, offering true friendship and acceptance, love.

3. Jesus Had Amazing Tenacity

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. Simon and his companions searched for him, and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.” -Mark 1:35-39

Jesus was a prayerful person. He prayed in the morning - before daylight. He prayed in his tiredness - how long before he had healed the city…yet he got up early. He prayed in solitude - spending time alone with God. The mission of Jesus was fueled by prayer - time with His father.

Our mission is fueled by prayer as well. If Jesus needed to spend time in prayer, how much more should we? Never let a question or trouble keep you from prayer. I hope you pray daily - but also the 20 Days of Prayer