The Authority of Jesus

"They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the  synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law… The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, 'What is this? A new  teaching–and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and   they obey him.' News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee."

Things are moving fast in Mark. We are only in the first chapter and Jesus has already been baptized, seen the Holy Spirit descend upon him, been sent out into the wilderness to be tempted, shared the gospel, and started gathering his disciples. Phew! The story is developing quickly, and Mark doesn’t want to miss a beat! By the time we arrive in Capernaum, Jesus has received an invitation to teach in the synagogue, as was custom at the time for visiting teachers.¹

In our passage for today, notice verse 22. The people were amazed because Jesus taught them as “one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” The paradox highlighted here shows us that one who is a teacher is not always synonymous with one who has authority. The teachers of the law, or scribes, were known for their expertise in interpreting and applying the law of Moses.²

The Gospels are filled with references to conflicts that arise between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time. The men who served among the Pharisees, Sadducees, Priests, and Scribes would have trained intensely for their professions. Yet, Jesus comes into the synagogue without their same level of formal education and captivates the crowd. Scripture notes that those gathered were amazed by the authority of Jesus’ teaching! Not only does he teach with authority but he takes action that backs up that authority (v. 27).

For many of us, this passage can be a good reminder that “head knowledge” without “heart knowledge” is really no knowledge at all. The power of Jesus’ teaching came from his relationship with God. Sure, he studied Scripture and knew it well enough to stand before the synagogue. But he didn’t astound the people just because of his knowledge of Scripture. It is his relationship with God that sets him apart as the true teacher.

Lord Jesus, may we humbly seek wisdom and knowledge through you first. Amen.

JO ANN SHARKEY REINOWSKI, MDiv, MPhil
Director of Academic Services  
Baylor University's Truett Seminary 

1. Walter W. Wessel and Mark L. Strauss, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew – Mark, ed. Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 714.
2. Wessel and Strauss, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew – Mark, 715.