“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.” (Mark 1:24)
Mark describes Jesus teaching in a synagogue. That is a place where Jews gathered on the Sabbath to study the Holy Scriptures. Jesus was given the opportunity to share His message there. The people were amazed at His teaching, because He spoke with authority. His words made it clear that He was not just some ordinary person.
In the synagogue there was also a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit. Apparently, he was able to be among people and even attend religious gatherings. But when Jesus began to speak, he could no longer bear it. The unclean spirit began to scream loudly. He felt threatened because he knew that Jesus had the power to destroy Satan and all his demons. When God’s Kingdom breaks through, there is no longer any place for unclean spirits.
Jesus’ teaching stirred up a lot of emotion among the people (who were deeply impressed by His words) and in the spirit world. His actions exposed the latent opposition to God. That can be very challenging!
Do you ever notice that Jesus’ words stir things up—in yourself, in society, or in the people around you? What is your response to His call to faith and repentance?