Mark dives right into Jesus’ baptism and ministry, immediately getting into the thick of the action. Jesus recruit His first 4+ disciples, and His performs many miracles of physical and spiritual healing.
“…they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority… And… there was… 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… came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ ” (v22-28 abr)
To my understanding, there is only one source of true authority: God the Father. For others to have true and healthy authority over people, nature, demons, etc., God must grant that authority. Everyone present was astounded by the demon obeying Jesus, because they probably understood that only God Himself (or possibly Satan, king of the demons), could wield such authority. The demon(s) also recognized this.
Amazingly enough, because of Jesus’ works of reconciling us to God, and the gift of His indwelling Holy Spirit, we too have been granted (limited) use of God’s authority. Every Christ follower has the potential to heal the sick and cast out demons, just as the early disciples did. Why don’t we see much of this today? Possibly because we lack the specific calling, or possibly because we lack the foundational and deep faith the early disciples had with the desire to give God all of the glory.
If we believe miracles are still possible today, and recklessly pursue a deep relationship with God, it’s very possible He will work miracles through us. Now, this pursuit should only be taken for God’s glory and the building of Jesus’ kingdom, just as the early disciples modeled. Jesus Himself was tempted by personal fame, yet He consistently gave all glory back to the Father. We need to do the same. If we point people to God with our current good works, showing we’re faithful with a little, God may grant us more authority in the future, so that we can bring Him even more glory.
Father God, our Glorious Creator, You have blessed us so greatly through Jesus and Your Holy Spirit. May we learn to embrace Your Spirit’s guidance, and grow in our relationships with You, giving You all glory and honor. As we grow would You please work miracles through us as You see fit, and help us to resist any temptation for keeping the glory for ourselves. In Jesus’ name we praise You, both now and forever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training