Bible study on Mark 1.21-28

See our Guidelines for a weekly Bible study

Begin with an opening prayer

Almighty God,
we recognise that all authority
in heaven and on earth belongs to you.
We pray that you draw near to us today,
to impart your truth and show us your way.
Amen.

Read the passage

Consider different ways to read the text. For example, hearing it in more than one version of the Bible.

In an online group, you could share parts between those present, or use/adapt this week’s Share the Word suggestion: Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to go to Share the Word and scroll down to find the Gospel reading.

Explore and respond to the text

Start by reading the Bible notes below. You may want to read them more than once, or pause after each paragraph to reflect on what you have read.

Bible notes

Mark has described how Jesus drew his team together, and now he tells us about the beginning of his active ministry. Jesus’ first act is, in some respects, very traditional. He goes to the synagogue on the sabbath and teaches in the rabbinic tradition. Mark tells us nothing of what he said, but he does record the great impression he made on the congregation. Scribes often presented a range of opinions from earlier scholars, then left the congregations to make up their own minds. Jesus’ teaching is clearly much more authoritative. It carries conviction and leaves people feeling that they had heard the ‘word of the Lord’.

Jesus’ words chime with his actions. His powerful words lead to a word of power as he overcomes the unclean spirit that is tormenting the man. The story reflects a battle of wills as the spirit attempts to gain control over Jesus by using his name and identifying him as ‘the Holy One of God’ (v.24). In many forms of magic, knowing a name is a source of power. In the face of this, Jesus is able to defeat the spirit with one word (in Greek): Silence! And the spirit can no longer speak, only scream as it leaves the man (v.26). Jesus shares God’s power to create order simply through his words (Genesis 1.3). There is no possibility of survival for the evil spirit in the presence of the Messiah, and its attempt to name Jesus only serves to reinforce his true identity.

Mark again emphasises the impact this has on the congregation – they are amazed and there is a hubbub of conversation as they discuss what they have just witnessed. In a society where much illness was put down to ‘unclean spirits’, the power to control them was astonishing, and it’s not surprising that Jesus’ reputation spreads rapidly. But his hearers have not forgotten his teaching, and they recognise the link between his teaching and his broader authority (v.27). It is perhaps ironic, though, that the unclean spirit knows perfectly well who Jesus is, while the congregation is left guessing.

See also:

In conversation with the Scriptures

Reflection

Spend a few moments thinking about what stands out for you from the Bible reading. This idea may help.

It is said that people get a new job on the basis of the first 30 seconds of their interview. We form opinions of one another very quickly and this sets the tone for ongoing relationships. So, the impact Jesus made on that sabbath in Capernaum was vital to the flourishing of his ministry later on. The impression of authority and integrity would have stayed in people’s minds and attracted them to listen to him again. Does our church create a striking first impression? This isn’t just about the physical surroundings, though they matter. Rather, will a visitor get a sense of Jesus’ presence, his authority, his passion for good, when they come into our church? Or something else?

Questions for reflection

You may wish to use these questions and the picture to help you think about or discuss issues arising from this week’s Bible passage.

Leaving aside recent election issues…

• What do you see in this image?
• What does the word ‘authority’ make you think of?
• When have you been impressed by somebody’s authority?

A simple worship activity

Prayers of forgiveness and healing.

Light a candle/tealight. Place a box of unlit tealights nearby.

Invite everyone to recall authority figures in their lives who have let them down (e.g. by not living up to expectations, or by abusing their authority). Allow a minute for reflection and then say together:

Father, you know our hearts,
and you know the situations we are thinking about.
In Jesus’ name, help us to forgive those who have hurt us. Amen.

Next, invite people to recall any situations where they might have hurt other people over whom they had authority (of any kind). Again, allow a minute for reflection and then say together:

Father, you know us and love us.
We are sorry for where our actions haven’t matched our words or our faith in you.
Forgive us and heal those who have been hurt. Amen.

Finally, invite people to come and light a tealight, placing it near the lit candle as a sign of commitment to allow the authority of Christ to rule their lives. Say together the Lord’s Prayer.

Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to go to more activities
in Explore and respond

Prayer

Adapt to your local context.

A prayer of adoration

Father God, holy and majestic, what an impression faith in you has made on our lives!
God of all wisdom, the source of all authority in heaven and earth.
Compassionate Lord Jesus, what an indelible impression you have made on our spirit!
Lovingly speaking through your life on earth: your sacrificial authority on the cross breaking through the barriers of sin.
Awesome Holy Spirit, what an impression you make on our life!
Through our faith, you continue to impress upon us the supreme wisdom of God, Gracious and Fair.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, source of all authority in heaven and earth.
Eternal praise belongs to you.
Amen.

Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to find more prayers,
including up-to-date intercessions.

A prayer to end the Bible study

Almighty God, be with us this week.
Meet with us each morning,
and in every situation throughout the day,
whoever we are with,
help us to draw on your strength and wisdom,
that we may be faithful and true
in following the example and pattern
given to us by Jesus.
Amen.

Go with God 24/7

Encourage everyone to put their faith into action.

Whenever you exercise authority, make a conscious effort to consider whether your words and actions match. Whenever you respond to authority, pray for the person(s) to whom you are responding.

Encourage everyone to explore their faith this week with the ROOTS at home resource.