In those days, going to the Synagogue was more akin to attending a dissertation on the Law. It was an elaboration on the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. There wasn’t a priest, or minister, any man could go forward and read from the scroll. As we take our seats, a low mumbling fills the hushed air. Rather than one of the usual men going forth, a young guy, who just turned 30, Jesus, makes his way to the rack of ancient documents. Recently, the whole region of Galilee had been abuzz with the name of Jesus. A well-respected fellow who, with his cousin John, had created quite a scene at the river a few weeks ago. Since then he had vanished for 40 days, but was now back in town. Anticipation had the assembly turn their thoughts from matzo ball soup, to the man at the dais. Here’s how Mark describes the scene: “Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.” Mark 1:21-22.
Real authority, what does that mean? To understand, you must realize that the only thing the Jewish people were clinging to was the interpretation of the Law, by the scholars. The voice of God, through the prophets, had been silent for over 400 years. All the learned men could do was restate the word, and devise more laws, basing them on past, earthly teachings. Jesus didn’t quote any old scholar to support his interpretation, instead he spoke as God directed, and with His full authority.
This may not seem earth shattering to you, but to those suffering from an overload of legalism, it was a fresh, sweet breeze blowing through that stifling atmosphere. Pulses began to race, and then this happened: “Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus cut him short. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.” 23-26. What should amaze you from this verse, is that the demon recognized Jesus immediately, not the “church folk”. If Jesus hadn’t had the attention of those gathered before, he did now! “Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. 27-28.
No one had ever spoken or acted with such power and authority since the prophets, and that was ancient history! After the service, people were clambering to reach Jesus, to shake his hand and ask questions. Those at the back, ran to the coffee shop to tell anyone and everyone what they had just witnessed. As we head back to the time machine, some of you feel like you’ve been missing out. Your church service is dry, and lacking in this awesome display of power, and authoritative teaching. It shouldn’t be! Jesus came to save us from legalism, and stale sermons, and you don’t have to travel back in time to find that exuberance. I won’t tell you where to find it, but inquire of God and he will direct you. Jesus, and his church, is still in the amazing business!
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