The Authority of Jesus

Scripture

Mark 1:21-34

Outline

A. How do we recognize authority?

• Credentials, experience, knowledge, or age

• But we suspect that the power of authority will be corrupted

B. How can Authority be corruptible?

• By allowing it to become about you

• By abusing it for your own gain

• By suppressing the needs of others

C. How does Jesus use His authority? Mark 1:21-34

• He Tells the Truth (Mark 1:21-22)

  1. He’s the Author of it all

  2. The Author tells us how to live the life He made

  3. Christ is our authority because He is the Author of all Creation

• He Calls Out Evil (Mark 1:23-28)

  1. No one can contain evil

  2. Evil does not belong in God’s kingdom

  3. Christ is our authority because He alone can defeat evil & injustice

• He Cares for the Suffering (Mark 1:29-34)

  1. He goes to those in need

  2. His healing is a demonstration of resurrection, raised to life to serve

  3. Christ is our authority because His authority heals us and makes us alive

D. How should we respond to His good authority?

1. Tell the truth to each other, even if it hurts

2. Confess the evil that has been done

3. Seek healing and reconciliation with others

Discussion Questions

1. Think of an example in your own life when you’ve seen authority abused. What happened? How was it resolved?

2. Can you think of a time when your own authority tempted you to take shortcuts? What happened?

3. How has Christ’s demonstration of his authority been reassuring to you?

4. Why is it difficult to Tell the Truth, Call out Evil, and Care for the Suffering?