The Final Authority

THE FINAL AUTHORITY (MARK 1:21-45)

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It is said that George Whitefield at one time dined with Lady Huntington: an unconverted brother of his was present. During the dinner hour, Mr. Whitefield and Lady Huntington had a religious conversation. Such was the nature of it that this brother's attention was arrested, and he was so deeply impressed that all at once he dropped his knife and fork, and threw up his hands and cried, “I am lost! I am lost! I am lost!” “Thank God!” said Lady Huntington. “Why? Why do you exult over my lost condition?” “O, I can not help it,” she says; “I am so glad you are lost --so glad!” “But why, why, do have such ecstasies over my lost condition?” “Simply because Jesus Christ came into the world to seek and save that which was lost. Now, sir, if you have found out that you are lost, there is some hope of your being saved.” (Albert P Graves)

In the New Testament era there were lots of authorities – the Roman government, the Jewish religious leaders and even John the Baptist (Mark 1:6). The Roman had their law, the Jews observed their Torah and John had his disciples (John 2:18). Into this setting Jesus came. His authority was in himself, His word, wisdom and works. No one but Jesus, God incarnate, could infallibly institute or impart the law, invoke and interpret the law, and instruct and integrate the law.

Who has most influenced and inspired you in life? What is the outcome and purpose of learning? Why is Jesus the greatest teacher that ever lived and what did He have to teach us about life?

In Him There is No Darkness – He’s the Savior of our Lives

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

The Reformation leader Martin Luther was not only a reformer, but a theologian and writer. His battles with the devil are fierce and his quotes on the devil are renowned, including the following:

-- So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!

– A fiery shield is God's Word; of more substance and purer than gold, which, tried in the fire, loses nought of its substance, but resists and overcomes all the fury of the fiery heat; even so, he that believes God's Word overcomes all, and remains secure everlastingly, against all misfortunes; for this shield fears nothing, neither hell nor the devil.

– When I am assailed with heavy tribulations, I rush out among my pigs rather than remain alone by myself. The human heart is like a millstone in a mill: when you put wheat under it, it turns and grinds and bruises the wheat to flour; if you put no wheat, it still grinds on, but then 'tis itself it grinds and wears away. So the human heart, unless it be occupied with some employment, leaves space for the devil, who wriggles himself in and brings with him a whole host of evil thoughts, temptations, and tribulations, which grind out the heart.

The contrast of Jesus’ “authority” with the authority of the teachers of the law/scribes (v 22) with that not only His ministry was good or applicable everyday - even on the Sabbath day (v 21), everywhere - throughout all the region, in the synagogue and in the house (vv 28-29) and to everyone – all men (v 32). It has been said that the scribes spoke from authorities but that Jesus spoke with authority. Further, the authority was not from his capability, but from his compassion (v 41).