April 28, 2016
SUPERNANNY VS. JESUS
Mark 1:14–28
Rachel Smith
Central Truth
The first disciples, who heard Jesus in the synagogue, and the demon had one thing in common: they understood the otherworldly authority of Jesus. He was not just a normal man who did wonderful things. No, His authority commanded the attention and obedience of His audience.
Key Verse | Mark 1:27
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." (Mark 1:27)
Mark 1:14–28
Jesus Begins His Ministry
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; 1 1:15 Or the kingdom of God has come near repent and believe in the gospel.”
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 2 1:17 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “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.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 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.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
Dive Deeper | Mark 1:14–28
Supernanny was a beloved show of mine before I became a parent. In each episode, parents with rebellious, insubordinate, and unruly kids invite Supernanny to spend time with them as they struggle through parenting. They hope she will change the culture of their home by "fixing" the children, who instantly obey her because of her authority.
Instead, parents are often rudely awakened when Supernanny turns the finger of blame (responsibility, really) around and points it squarely at the parents. She brutally tells the parents exactly the mistakes they’re making and the reaction each mistake produces in their children. Usually the parents see the error of their ways, and the wonder-esque woman flies back to England, leaving a happy home in her rearview mirror.
These fifteen verses are a lot like that. Jesus emerges on the scene, proclaiming what He knows: the kingdom of God, His kingdom, is at hand. In the rest of the verses, Jesus continues to demonstrate His authority.
We see Jesus’ authority when He calls His first disciples; and they simply follow Him, abandoning everything. Then He walks into the synagogue and teaches with authority about the things of God.
What does it mean that Jesus taught with authority? It means He possessed behind-the-scenes information to share; He didn't just coldly relay a tired story told for thousands of years. He wasn’t merely reading the pages to an audience: He was recounting what He Himself created, experienced, and sustained. He knew His content well; He wrote it.
It is with this same authority that Jesus then casts out a demon. Wait, what? Casts out a demon?!?! Yep, you read that right. Jesus casts out a demon, and the demon obeys Him! This is just a taste of the chapters to come.
In Mark, you’ll see Jesus demonstrate His authority over the natural and supernatural worlds. It’s the same authority that made Him worthy of following, worth of listening to in the synagogue, and capable of driving out a demon. Get ready: it’s an exciting ride!
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever trusted in the authority of Christ in your own life? If not, please call us at Watermark Community Church (214.361.2275). We'd love to talk to you.
2. If you have trusted Christ as the Lord of your life, how does His authority instill confidence in you?
3. In what areas of your life do you respect Jesus’ authority?
4. Which areas of your life still need growth in respecting Jesus’ authority? Who can hold you accountable to submit to Him in these areas?