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They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue 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, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching -- with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.


Background Material


It was the Sabbath and, following his habit, Jesus was in the synagogue for worship. Even to this day, it is a part of Sabbath worship in the synagogue for someone to read the day's lesson as the basis for the day's study and possible discussion. The reading is from the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, which is the official Jewish version of the Holy Scriptures. It is housed in an Ark which is the central focal point of the congregation. The words of the Pentateuch are written on a parchment which is rolled around two scrolls. The parchment can be rolled forward or backward to the desired reading.

While the local rabbi is often the one who reads the lessons, visitors are sometimes honored with this exercise. As Jesus became better known he would be asked to read the scripture lesson and elucidate upon it. On this occasion, Jesus was standing before the congregation, beginning his exposition. The worshipers were amazed at his informed wisdom and knowledge of the Pentateuch and at his ability to hold the attention of the audience with his message. Apparently he was an excellent speaker and a stark contrast to the dull scribes who usually droned on about the demands of the law.

But on this day he was rudely interrupted while delivering his message. A man who was afflicted with what was supposed to be demons entered the synagogue. Almost immediately the demon let out a loud shriek, which must have startled the congregation. But Jesus was unperturbed. He took command of the situation by ordering the demon to leave the man. The congregation, already astonished at Jesus' ability to teach so well, was now absolutely amazed that he could cure the "incurable."

Demons

Belief in demons is of ancient origin. In the very early books of the Jewish scriptures the idea was widely presented as fact. Rather logically, they were believed to be the evil spirits emanating from Satan, just as the angels were good spirits who spent their time serving God. While they roamed everywhere, it was believed that cemeteries were their central dwelling places. Among the rituals of the ancient Jewish church were rites for exorcising demons.

Early Hebrews probably inherited their belief in demons from their Semitic ancestors. Also, their contact with the Babylonians and Persians would bring this influence to them. The polytheism that was widespread at that time was fertile ground for adoption of the belief that demons held power over human beings. So the Jews of that day believed, without reservation, that human beings could be possessed by demons.

The rite of exorcism is still practiced in our day, though very seldom. There is a church ritual for it among both Jews and Christians. However, in this account by Mark, Jesus did not use any special rite. It was by a simple command from him that the possessed man was freed of his terrible addiction.

As has been stated, in Christ's day, there was universal belief in demons. In many areas of human ailments, where ignorance prevailed, demons were given the blame. There was a demon for every illness. One can understand why. Illness was certainly not good, but could be branded as evil, and demons supposedly caused the evil that roamed the earth. Because of the crudeness of medical knowledge at that time, a hole was often bored in the skull of one so possessed, in the belief that this would permit the demon to escape.

There is much to be pondered in the truth that Jesus possesses power over all negative things. Many clinical psychologists have eliminated the spiritual dimension in their attempts to heal, even deriding the idea that faith can play an important part in healing. But currently the tide is turning. A growing number of clinical psychologists believe that the use of spiritual resources can be a tremendous boon in the cure of depression, anxieties, the fear of death, and the fear of the future. This is the cause for the spread of holistic medicine.

Church Attendance

Jesus set us a good example by faithfully going to the synagogue to worship on the Jewish Sabbath. It was the custom at such services to enroll the Torah and read an appointed lesson for that day. Whenever there was a distinguished visitor present, he was asked to speak on the scripture lesson. Usually such lectures could be dull and boring, emphasizing the many demands of the Law of Moses. One can imagine how refreshing it must have been to listen to Jesus when he told of the Spirit behind the Laws and explained the Law's true meaning. The apostles also preached in the synagogue on many occasions, especially Paul, whose reputation as a stalwart Christian eventually led to his rejection as a preacher in the synagogue.

On this particular Sabbath, while Jesus was standing before the worshipers in the synagogue, a man entered who had a severe affliction which people ascribed to his being possessed by demons. The demoniac could enter the synagogue because of an open-door policy which permitted anyone to attend. His presence is a symbol of how good and evil are associated in this world. Sums of money, amassed by people with the good intentions of helping charitable causes, are bilked by an evil treasurer overcome with greed. In many forms trust is betrayed when evil appears among the just and good. Even religious leaders go bad. Sin penetrates everywhere. Some people are cured through faith and prayer, while others of a similar spirit die from the same illness in spite of prayer. Within each person both good and evil reside, warring against each other. Thus we speak about bringing out the good or the best in someone.

In this miracle the evil demons are meeting the sinless Christ. At his word the demons, who shrieked when they came near to the Savior, were expelled and left the man whom they had tormented for so long. This miracle revealed the wide scope of Christ's power. He has dominion over all things, the evil world where Satan reigns, as well as the spiritual realm. He has power over all that is seen and unseen.


Sermon Material

What Have We To Do With You?

Temptations have existed since the time of the first man. Today they seem to be more widespread than ever. Depending on the area where they apply, they carry certain names such as white-collar crime, street crime, and so forth. With so many forms of temptation before us, it will help clear our judgment if, when tempted, we ask, "What does this proposed action have to do with Christ and his spirit?"

1. With the temptation to adultery or unfaithfulness in marriage.

2. With the temptation to pilfer.

3. With the temptation to cheat on your tax returns.

4. With the temptation to continue a bad habit.

5. With joining in association with the wrong people.

6. With taking an action against someone.

7. How relevant is Christ to life in today's world?

8. What does Christ have to do with YOU?

9. How much authority does Christ have in people's lives today?

Amazement

When Christ first spoke in the temple the people were amazed. Even more so were they when he worked a miracle. His "congregation" thought they knew this young man, but were not aware of his ability as a public speaker. But he revealed in his presentation something much greater than a talent for speaking. He exhibited a profound knowledge of the scriptures, of theology, and of human nature. He was not at all cowed by his audience, but spoke as one with authority. They did not realize at that time how great was the authority with which he spoke to them.

How much more stupefied they must have been when he nonchalantly performed a miracle before their very eyes in the synagogue. They were utterly amazed at what they had seen take place. A man they all knew to be badly demented, whose irrational ways they ascribed to the work of demons, was actually cured by a word from Jesus.

We too should be amazed by Christ as more and more we learn of him and his mighty deeds. Without the element of amazement our spiritual life can become very commonplace. It is meant to be exciting. Why should we not be constantly amazed by the thought that Almighty God is with us in our personal lives? He actually loves us, each one of us, as his child. That is a startling fact, for he is Lord of the universe and is its creator. We should be deeply impressed also by his daily provisions for us, by his glorious promise that we, too, shall conquer death, a blessing almost unbelievable. "What a great God" should constantly be the expression of our hearts as we contemplate his goodness to us both in time and in eternity.

Amazement can have a further beneficial effect. It can make us want to know more and more about Christ, about his fascinating life while on earth, and the many wondrous deeds he performed. Amazement can well be a part of everyone's religious experience. It gives our beliefs a lift of spirit. It helps us to realize how truly great God is, and the enormous force of his power. It keeps fresh in our minds the glory and the reality of God's magnificent plan of salvation, assuring everyone of eternal life made possible through Christ's death on the cross, through whom we can anticipate a glorious resurrection to a life far above comparison with our present one.

Recognition Rather Than Amazement

There is a lesson here for everyone. We must see the potential among the young people in our midst. The temple worshipers thought of Christ only in terms of a carpenter's son, whom many had observed working in his father's shop. Nothing unusual here! Just so, some very normal young person in our circles of family, neighborhood, or church may have the potential of becoming another Thomas Edison, Florence Nightingale, or even a president of the United States. We dare not downplay the talents of those with whom we are familiar, but must encourage them to do their best to attain a high level of achievement in life.

Astounded At His Teaching

Have we not experienced the difference in gaining and holding our attention between two speakers, when one appears to be expressing original thoughts and the other to be only quoting what he has read, or else citing as authority someone other than himself? The scribes were of the second kind, while Christ gave refreshing new insights into the application of the Law. This astounded the people who knew his background and his youthful past. Their astonishment led them to go about describing what they had seen transpire in word and act; and in their telling, the news about Christ was spread far and wide.


Illustrations

"They Were All Amazed"

A graduate student at Yale University was given the assignment to go to Sterling Library and to its guarded rare book room to read an original publication of one of Martin Luther's original tracts. The student's first reaction to the assignment was one of disgust. He asked himself why go to the trouble of laboring through a difficult first edition when an easy-to-read modern translation was available? Not only was the original in German, but it was written in the German style of nearly five centuries ago, which was considerably different from the modern German learned in the classroom.

But in carrying out the assignment the student came to realize why it had been given to him. Not only was it an unusual thrill to hold in hand an original manuscript of such age, but the strong imprint it made on the early reader was apparent. Centuries ago an earlier reader had read that tract when its ideas were completely new and was visibly impressed by its revelations. That reader could not help but write on its margins such words as "Imagine that!" "Think of it!" The impact which that tract had made was a thrilling revelation to the student.

The Bible is an amazing revelation of matters such as life after death. Do we let its contents fill us with awe and utter amazement as we contemplate its mighty truths? We ought to be astonished at what we learn from the scriptures, and never be led to say with a yawn, "So what!" The words of Christ should not produce this reaction, nor should they ever be considered dull or boring.
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A young grandmother told her granddaughter that the two of them would get up early the next morning to see something surprising. So the next day, in the very early hours before dawn, the two of them sat on a doorstep facing east. Then the grandmother told the child to watch the eastern horizon. Soon a red curve of light appeared. As they watched, the curve kept widening. Sitting in awe, the little girl witnessed her first brilliant sunrise, when the sun has an enormous size and rises slowly as a huge ball of fire. The little girl asked in a hushed whisper, "Does that happen every day?" Have we let life become so dull and introspective that we no longer look with amazement at the wonders of nature: a sunrise, or the rising of a full moon, or the multicolored sky during a sunset? Life is full of God's creations which should amaze us. A very partial list should include the changing seasons, the warm friendships of life, and our ability to live out our days without crippling illness.

"What Have We To Do With You?"

This statement can be taken as a cynical expression. It is in a league with the following sentiments: "Mind your own business." "Stay out of our way; we have nothing in common." "Go back to your own place and to your assigned business."

There are many selfish people in this world who have such an attitude about Christ. They want him out of their way, to be able to exploit people without a condemning conscience. They know he represents another way of life entirely, and they do not want to be reminded about their shortcomings. So they want to be left alone. If the scriptures show them to be wrong, they simply alter the words to their own advantage. What has Christ to do with it is the question facing the slave trader, the vice king, the drug lord. It is the question thrust at each one of us whenever we are tempted to do evil. But some sneeringly ask, "Don't I have the right to live my own life as I please?" in spite of the harm it will do to others.

Jesus answers this question with the words: "Come out of him." He would tell us to come out of it, to get our thinking straight. He says it to those who want to exploit their fellow man, be it with child pornography or some crooked scheme which appeals to those who want to get rich quickly.

Church Attendance

The Battle of Gettysburg, during the Civil War, is a subject of much ongoing discussion. The defeat of the Confederate Army has been blamed in part on the actions of General J. E. B. Stuart. A couple of days before the decisive battle, he departed on what turned out to be a useless raid. In so doing, he is said to have lost contact with the main army. Because of this, he could not inform General Lee what he had learned about the plans of the Union Army.

Losing contact with the main army was a serious error. It is equally culpable in any conflict. This includes the warfare in which Christians are continually engaged against evil. The main army is the vast numbers of Christian believers who gather regularly for Sunday worship. Such blessings as spiritual renewal, a clearer understanding of biblical truths, and an increased loyalty to Christ are among the helps that derive from fellowship with other Christians in worship services.
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This miracle took place in a synagogue, or church. That was the place to find Christ on the Sabbath. That is where the demoniac was cured. Do we excuse ourselves from regular Sunday worship services, acting as faultfinders or showing indifference, or do we attend church regularly?

The story is told that Queen Elizabeth I attended a service in her chapel and sent a critical word to the organist declaring that the organ was out of tune. The organist, a Dr. Tye, courageously replied that it was not the organ but the queen's ears that were out of tune.

Do we stay away from church, even criticizing it? It could well be we who are at fault, not the worship service. It is sobering to recall that when Tannhauser was first presented in Paris the audience hissed in criticism. Now we judge the opera to be great, but a proper appreciation of its grandeur was lacking in the audience who rejected it.

Our souls were created to be recipients, and then donators, of God's love. It is at church that we meet Christ, hear his gospel, and have our souls tuned to God.

Sunday Observance

It is important to observe Sunday as a day of rest. Some time ago a study was made of the machinery in a manufacturing plant. One line of machines was kept running seven days a week, with no letup. The other line was idled on each Sunday, during which time it cooled off and was left untouched. The machines which were idled each Sunday needed fewer repairs than the others. Even iron and steel can fare better when rested at times.

But the mere form of going to church, important as that is, is not enough. The purpose of going to church is to grow in faith and in commitment to God. One needs repeated reminders of the requirement to love our neighbor, to be a forgiving person, just as God forgives us. We must not be misled with our church attendance; attending church is imperative.

The Voice Of Evil

During an argument, if a person does not have a good answer, he turns to anger, or to false reasoning, perhaps doubletalk. In a way that is true of this demon. Before Christ had said a word, he called out a question which was irrational. In asking "What do you have to do with me?" he was trying to turn the tables by implying that Christ should stay out of it. That is the way the voice of evil speaks.

One of the best known of advertising logos has been the picture of a dog listening to a victrola, with the words underneath: "His master's voice." It is to emphasize the clarity of the recording, as the dog recognizes the voice that the old-fashioned victrola is reproducing. One of the ills of society today is the inability of many people to recognize the false voice of evil.

In every generation evil has its voice. In the case of the demon there is the implication, impudently stated, that Christ should mind his own business. And there is the further implication that Jesus and the demon have nothing in common. And indeed they do not. Today those who would attack evil and its vociferous claims are charged by the voice of evil with being old-fashioned, of being out of date, as they seemingly oppose the virtue of freedom of speech. We hear the voice of evil in all the forms of pornography as they seek to lure us to buy their wares. Their appeal creeps into all facets of modern life. Over the years the voice of evil has defended slavery, excused child labor, and defended many of society's ills. When we hear that voice we must recognize it as the voice of the demon who confronted Christ. "What have I to do with you?" insinuates that evil has the right to its own life, unfettered by Christian morals or the laws of society. Christianity opposes this view and presents Christ as the Lord of life who brings blessings to those who hear his voice and obey him.

Who Is This?

This is the way those who witnessed the miracle expressed their amazement. This is a question that confronts anyone who would be a Christian. Is Christ the Son of God? Is he the Savior of the world? Is he all-powerful, all-knowing? To answer such a question properly from the heart is life's greatest boon. It is like a question on an exam which everyone must take. We answer it satisfactorily or we fail. It is a personal question, asked directly of you.