CHAPTER 7 :: Authority Over Demons (Mark 1:21-28)
Three Sequential Miracles
Storybook
Peter accompanied Jesus to a synagogue, where Jesus taught with such power that the people were amazed. They knew His authority was supernatural!
While they were there, a man suddenly jumped up and shouted at the presence and teaching of Jesus. A spirit possessed him who knew the source of Jesus’ authority. With wide eyes and a trembling body, he asked Jesus, “Why are you here? Are you here to destroy me?”
Though trembling himself, Peter noticed the irony, and looking back later, he chuckled at the spirit’s remark. He thought to himself, “The spirit is wondering why Jesus is here! But the real question is, why are you, an evil spirit, in our synagogue?” The spirit’s comment kept echoing in Peter’s head.
This was a spiritual battle; the evil spirit struck the first blow by naming Jesus “the Holy One of God.” By identifying Jesus, the demon intended to gain an advantage over his opponent. However, Jesus responded with a word that meant “to muzzle” or “to silence” (Greek: φιμόω), and He exorcised the unclean spirit who came out with a scream.
It’s possible that Mark suggested the demon in the synagogue represented Israel’s spiritual condition.
At that time in Israel, there were “sons of Israel” whom Jesus said could cast out demons (Luke 11:19). However, these individuals seemed to rely on superstitious methods, lacking the ease with which Jesus performed exorcisms. It was this ease that amazed the witnesses to this miracle. They responded, exclaiming, “What is this? What new teaching is this? With authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” (Mark 1:27).
Because they recognized that Jesus’ authority was powerful and unique, Mark says that “Immediately His fame spread everywhere throughout the region surrounding Galilee” (Mark 1:28).
Authority over Fever (Mark 1:29-34)
“If you break My covenant, then I will … visit you with … a fever that shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart” (Leviticus 26:15-16).
Storybook
The rabbis taught that a fever was a curse sent by God to covenant violators (Leviticus 26:16; Deuteronomy 28:22). Therefore, they believed only God could cure fevers. However, Jesus took the woman’s hand and raised her to her feet. Typically, people need time to recover after having a fever, but she immediately began waiting on the guests.
This miracle astonished the bystanders. They were “super-naturalized” because, unlike the Jewish leaders, Jesus had authority over fevers and provided immediate recovery from their symptoms. Of course, this news spread quickly, and many people came seeking cures.
This is the second in a threefold series of miracles Jesus performed, reflecting the works of God.
Summary
Jesus has the authority to lift God’s curse on those who break the covenant.
