WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.400 Amen. I had a great conversation with a student the other day who studies over at West London University 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:18.760 ! He told me he's just become a Christian. He's just started to follow the Lord Jesus and he was reading Mark's Gospel as a new Christian. 00:00:18.760 --> 00:00:25.320 He came from an Indian background, from a Hindu background and he'd been converted. 00:00:25.320 --> 00:00:31.719 And his question was about Mark's Gospel and he wanted to know, how do I read Mark's Gospel? 00:00:32.480 --> 00:00:37.899 How do I read it? How do I follow this Jesus that I read about here? 00:00:38.359 --> 00:00:45.600 How does what he did in this Gospel, in this book, apply to my life now? How do I follow him? 00:00:45.600 --> 00:00:59.880 But as we chatted I realised that this question was packaged in a popular expectation that Jesus is primarily an example to us. 00:01:00.740 --> 00:01:09.420 And what we read him doing in the Bible is a prescription of how we should behave today as individuals. 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:20.099 Now lots of people think that about Jesus, don't they? They think Jesus is a good man who sets an incredibly high moral standard. 00:01:20.799 --> 00:01:27.760 He is self-sacrificial, isn't he? He is a loving person and we need to follow his example. 00:01:28.740 --> 00:01:37.920 What example does he set for my life today? Theologians call that the moral influence model, if you're interested. 00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:43.320 How does his behaviour influence my behaviour? 00:01:44.599 --> 00:01:47.960 So in this passage we can read it that way, can't we? 00:01:48.500 --> 00:01:52.659 And we can start asking questions about how does Jesus set me an example? 00:01:53.060 --> 00:01:55.020 What does he show me about healing? 00:01:56.280 --> 00:01:58.900 What does he show me about how to pray? 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:03.920 What example does he set about teaching in church? 00:02:04.520 --> 00:02:07.159 Or even about casting out demons? 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:13.599 Now of course, Jesus does influence our behaviour, doesn't he? 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:18.420 He is the most perfect man that ever walked on the face of the earth. 00:02:18.680 --> 00:02:22.000 He shows us what true humanity really looks like. 00:02:23.099 --> 00:02:27.879 But I want to say today that Mark writes his gospel, his book, 00:02:27.879 --> 00:02:33.659 Firstly, as a description of events around Jesus' life, 00:02:34.500 --> 00:02:39.500 Rather than a prescription of how our lives should be. 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:43.639 And so once we get the description of Jesus, 00:02:44.639 --> 00:02:48.219 We can then think about how that affects our lives. 00:02:48.219 --> 00:03:01.120 So I think what Mark gives us in these verses is a description of Jesus' authority and his priorities as God's king. 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:06.159 If you've been around on a Tuesday lunchtime these past couple of weeks, 00:03:06.219 --> 00:03:07.640 We've looked at Mark, haven't we? 00:03:07.980 --> 00:03:12.879 Do you remember verses 14 and 15 just before where we read today? 00:03:13.039 --> 00:03:14.800 If we look at those verses. 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:18.800 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, 00:03:18.800 --> 00:03:21.240 Proclaiming the gospel of God and saying, 00:03:21.360 --> 00:03:24.540 The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. 00:03:24.740 --> 00:03:27.040 Repent and believe in the gospel. 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:33.480 They're the verses, aren't they, that Jesus starts his public work with. 00:03:34.260 --> 00:03:39.120 They're the kind of summary of all that he's come to do and all that he is saying. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:42.719 Jesus at the very beginning tells us, 00:03:43.180 --> 00:03:47.140 God's kingdom, God's rule is here. 00:03:48.039 --> 00:03:50.420 Because I am here. 00:03:51.460 --> 00:03:54.860 So repent, turn from living your own way, 00:03:55.360 --> 00:03:59.620 And believe because I, your king, am here. 00:04:00.480 --> 00:04:05.680 So Jesus is not primarily our example, for the most part. 00:04:06.200 --> 00:04:07.819 He is our king. 00:04:07.819 --> 00:04:12.659 He is a king who John the Baptist said, back in verse 7, 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:15.680 That is mightier than I. 00:04:16.019 --> 00:04:17.620 He is a mighty king. 00:04:18.659 --> 00:04:22.279 So, two things, two big points this afternoon. 00:04:22.560 --> 00:04:28.519 First of all, we see Jesus, the mighty king, with authority. 00:04:29.459 --> 00:04:31.279 The mighty king with authority. 00:04:32.899 --> 00:04:36.560 You know, I've never met the queen, even though I've lived in London for a while. 00:04:36.560 --> 00:04:39.899 You could say the queen has authority, couldn't you? 00:04:40.399 --> 00:04:45.980 If you look at her CV, she is commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces. 00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:54.439 She is the ultimate formal executive authority over the government of the United Kingdom by royal prerogative. 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:56.199 That is something, isn't it, on your CV. 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:58.259 She appoints the prime minister. 00:04:58.860 --> 00:05:00.120 She is head of state. 00:05:00.740 --> 00:05:05.420 She has over £8 billion of public wealth held under trust. 00:05:05.920 --> 00:05:08.899 You might say that the queen has great authority. 00:05:09.719 --> 00:05:11.219 Or maybe the prime minister. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:16.339 Now there's nothing new about people with authority, is there? 00:05:16.339 --> 00:05:23.579 But do they have the kind of authority over the things that really matter most? 00:05:24.739 --> 00:05:29.979 There are four big things that Mark puts to us in this section here, 00:05:30.039 --> 00:05:33.379 that show us the kind of authority that Jesus has. 00:05:34.059 --> 00:05:36.939 He wants you to see Jesus' mighty authority. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:39.419 There are four colossal issues. 00:05:39.420 --> 00:05:42.180 authority over men. 00:05:43.140 --> 00:05:45.420 Authority over religion. 00:05:46.340 --> 00:05:48.000 Authority over sickness. 00:05:49.080 --> 00:05:50.720 And authority over evil. 00:05:52.160 --> 00:05:55.840 And there are four events here that Mark puts together in this section. 00:05:56.040 --> 00:05:58.840 First of all, authority over men. 00:05:59.139 --> 00:06:02.720 Just glance down at verse 16 to 18 there. 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:07.720 And passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, 00:06:08.200 --> 00:06:11.360 casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:17.640 And Jesus said to them, follow me, and I will make you fishes of men. 00:06:19.280 --> 00:06:20.840 Authority over men. 00:06:22.140 --> 00:06:25.180 He calls these fishermen, and they follow him. 00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:29.540 The same thing happens in verse 20, doesn't it, to James and John. 00:06:29.540 --> 00:06:36.500 He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. 00:06:37.140 --> 00:06:44.780 You know, I heard a true story about somebody who was convinced of Christianity on the basis of these verses alone. 00:06:45.660 --> 00:06:47.020 It sounds great, doesn't it? 00:06:47.020 --> 00:06:49.379 I probably think there was more to it than that. 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:53.180 But it was these verses that finally convinced them. 00:06:54.020 --> 00:06:57.640 Now this person came from the highlands of Scotland. 00:06:57.639 --> 00:07:00.360 And they were in a family of fishermen. 00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:03.680 Their fishing business had been in the family for generations. 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:09.659 And it was seeing the fishermen's reaction to Jesus here that convinced him. 00:07:10.599 --> 00:07:12.019 He said, I know fishermen. 00:07:13.159 --> 00:07:17.899 They're not the kind of people to be taken in by airy-fairy nonsense. 00:07:19.099 --> 00:07:21.459 Fishermen are not fooled by tricks. 00:07:22.099 --> 00:07:24.319 They're very down-to-earth people. 00:07:24.319 --> 00:07:28.279 They're hardened and unsentimental. 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:31.680 And here Jesus commands them. 00:07:32.599 --> 00:07:36.319 And they immediately leave their nets and follow him. 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:39.819 Just think of the type of guys these were. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:47.639 Think of the guys running the fruit and veg stall on the corner outside Pret, just down the road. 00:07:47.639 --> 00:07:53.500 Think of the king's mighty authority to call men like that to himself. 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:56.419 It impresses us, doesn't it? 00:07:56.719 --> 00:07:57.860 It impresses me. 00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:03.279 And you know, as Jesus does this, he cuts through the conventions of the day, actually. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:12.259 So any Jewish rabbi of the time, worth his salt, would always have waited for his students to choose him. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:15.459 It was a kind of vote of confidence system. 00:08:16.019 --> 00:08:18.240 But Jesus doesn't do that, does he? 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:20.120 He doesn't wait. 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:30.560 He is audacious enough to call them, but authoritative enough that they follow. 00:08:31.659 --> 00:08:32.559 They leave everything. 00:08:32.559 --> 00:08:39.879 What sort of man is this, who can do that with down-to-earth fishermen? 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:45.399 Surely he is a mighty and authoritative king. 00:08:46.079 --> 00:08:50.000 They left their nets and immediately followed him. 00:08:51.479 --> 00:08:54.539 Secondly, though, is his authority over religion. 00:08:55.039 --> 00:08:58.939 Now Mark quickly moves us from the seaside into the synagogue. 00:08:59.179 --> 00:09:00.779 Look at verse 21 there. 00:09:00.779 --> 00:09:07.259 They went into Capernaum and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:16.579 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority and not as their scribes. 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:22.879 Now the authority of Jesus teaching in this synagogue is something that really impacts them. 00:09:23.399 --> 00:09:26.079 Verse 27, they say the same, don't they? 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:27.279 They were amazed. 00:09:27.419 --> 00:09:30.600 They questioned among themselves, saying, what is this? 00:09:30.779 --> 00:09:33.019 A new teaching with authority. 00:09:34.740 --> 00:09:41.279 Now Mark makes the comparison here, doesn't he, between Jesus' teaching and the scribes' teaching. 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:47.759 Now the scribes and the Pharisees are the religious leaders, aren't they, of the day. 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:51.220 And they feature a lot in Mark's Gospel. 00:09:51.220 --> 00:09:59.000 And we see more and more as Jesus comes onto the scene how he is at odds with these scribes and Pharisees. 00:09:59.840 --> 00:10:04.639 So the comparison is not necessarily the content of the teaching. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:07.720 It is the authority of the teacher. 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:11.460 It is one of those awkward moments. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:13.519 I don't know if you've ever had this at work. 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:18.480 Where the manager gets put in place by the boss. 00:10:19.040 --> 00:10:21.779 So the local manager rules the roost. 00:10:22.180 --> 00:10:27.879 But then the boss of the company visits and puts him in his place. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:32.939 They were astonished at his teaching. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:36.019 That's what happens here, isn't it? 00:10:36.019 --> 00:10:42.980 The religious leaders, the scribes, are the ones that the office looks up to, if you like, in the synagogue. 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:45.179 The preachers of the day. 00:10:45.559 --> 00:10:50.220 They represent the religion of Israel, as it is widely accepted. 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:54.080 But the managers of the religion meet the boss. 00:10:55.560 --> 00:10:57.879 He doesn't just teach them the word, does he? 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.120 He is the word. 00:10:59.740 --> 00:11:05.279 Jesus cuts through the waffle of religious pundits and scepticism. 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:09.600 The word Mark uses about his teaching in verse 22. 00:11:09.940 --> 00:11:11.180 He strikes them. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:14.040 Or he smites them with his teaching. 00:11:15.180 --> 00:11:19.540 So in this synagogue, the norms are broken, aren't they? 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:21.759 The norms of religion. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:24.000 The trappings of religion. 00:11:25.040 --> 00:11:27.379 There is a sense of alarm here. 00:11:28.040 --> 00:11:29.320 As he strikes them. 00:11:29.320 --> 00:11:31.160 His teaching is disturbing. 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:33.420 And unsettling. 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:35.600 As well as it is wonderful. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:39.000 His teaching cuts through the human religion. 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:42.220 That these scribes have evolved. 00:11:43.040 --> 00:11:44.580 That they're comfortable with. 00:11:45.440 --> 00:11:48.100 The managers of religion meet the boss. 00:11:48.899 --> 00:11:49.620 God himself. 00:11:50.220 --> 00:11:52.340 They were astonished. 00:11:52.680 --> 00:11:54.120 At his teaching. 00:11:55.019 --> 00:11:56.980 But what sort of teaching is it? 00:11:57.660 --> 00:12:00.700 Is it just astonishing because it's intellectual. 00:12:01.160 --> 00:12:02.560 It's really, really clever. 00:12:03.340 --> 00:12:06.639 Or is Jesus just a really charismatic guy? 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:08.240 He's like the new kid. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:09.279 On the block. 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.620 On the preaching circuit. 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:13.200 Why is it so authoritative? 00:12:13.200 --> 00:12:13.279 Why is it so authoritative? 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:17.460 Well the third thing we see about his authority. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:19.360 Is his authority over evil. 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:22.139 Now we can't help notice can we? 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:23.620 The obvious interruption. 00:12:24.179 --> 00:12:24.919 In the sermon. 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:26.120 In the passage. 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:27.980 Jesus stands up to give the sermon. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:28.580 The lesson. 00:12:29.080 --> 00:12:29.840 Verse 23. 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:32.460 Immediately there was in the synagogue. 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:33.379 In the synagogue. 00:12:33.879 --> 00:12:35.700 A man with an unclean spirit. 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.160 And he cried out. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:39.680 What have you to do with us Jesus of Nazareth? 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:41.580 Have you come to destroy us? 00:12:41.660 --> 00:12:43.100 I know who you are. 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:44.680 The Holy One of God. 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:48.639 Now can you see there. 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.279 The connection. 00:12:50.279 --> 00:12:52.799 Between Jesus' teaching. 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:54.279 His preaching. 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:56.120 And this sudden. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:58.659 Evil demonic activity. 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:01.699 Jesus' teaching. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:02.340 Doesn't it? 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.399 Provokes. 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:04.519 The demons. 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:07.480 There is a sudden flurry. 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:08.779 Of evil activity. 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:10.639 When Jesus' word is heard. 00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:12.340 His authority. 00:13:12.960 --> 00:13:14.159 Causes that reaction. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:17.559 He commands evil spirits. 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.819 And they obey him. 00:13:19.359 --> 00:13:21.019 I don't know if you've ever had a splinter. 00:13:21.019 --> 00:13:21.919 In your finger. 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:22.359 Sandra. 00:13:22.519 --> 00:13:22.839 You have. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:23.259 Haven't you? 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:25.279 And if you get a splinter. 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:26.159 In your finger. 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:28.519 You put it in salty water. 00:13:28.799 --> 00:13:29.819 This is what they say. 00:13:30.479 --> 00:13:32.099 And if you put it in salty water. 00:13:32.199 --> 00:13:33.799 The finger shrivels up. 00:13:33.899 --> 00:13:35.039 A bit like you've been in the bath. 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.039 For a long time. 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:38.379 And it draws out the splinter. 00:13:39.079 --> 00:13:39.759 It's a great tip. 00:13:39.859 --> 00:13:40.699 If you ever get one. 00:13:41.439 --> 00:13:42.639 And Jesus' teaching. 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:43.919 Has that effect. 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.119 On evil. 00:13:46.099 --> 00:13:47.479 It draws out. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:48.899 Evil. 00:13:49.099 --> 00:13:50.000 Into the open. 00:13:51.299 --> 00:13:52.479 Now just look for a second. 00:13:52.579 --> 00:13:54.719 At what the demon says to Jesus. 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:56.779 He makes three statements. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:57.399 Doesn't he? 00:13:57.839 --> 00:13:59.939 In verse 23 to 24. 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:02.659 I know who you are. 00:14:02.959 --> 00:14:04.519 The Holy One of God. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:07.799 Jesus is recognised. 00:14:08.699 --> 00:14:09.599 For who he is. 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:11.379 The demons realise. 00:14:11.599 --> 00:14:12.719 That he has authority. 00:14:12.720 --> 00:14:15.100 And then he says. 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:17.139 What have you to do with us. 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.480 Jesus of Nazareth. 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:21.019 Now that is a phrase. 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:21.740 In the Bible. 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:23.540 That is loaded with meaning. 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:24.420 In the Old Testament. 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:25.399 Is it a phrase. 00:14:25.540 --> 00:14:27.800 That warring nations. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:28.740 Would have used. 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:30.379 As they come together. 00:14:30.460 --> 00:14:31.060 To battle. 00:14:31.320 --> 00:14:32.960 There are loads of examples of it. 00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:34.440 In the Old Testament. 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:36.540 It's used to describe. 00:14:36.540 --> 00:14:37.300 Enmity. 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:39.399 Between two groups. 00:14:39.399 --> 00:14:39.519 Jesus. 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.139 So this. 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:42.120 This demon. 00:14:42.319 --> 00:14:43.639 Here's Jesus teach. 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:45.279 And comes out. 00:14:45.419 --> 00:14:46.980 What have you to do with us Jesus. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:48.559 This is war. 00:14:49.199 --> 00:14:50.019 Isn't it Jesus. 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:53.039 But then he says. 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:55.139 Have you come to destroy us. 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:57.259 It is war. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:59.299 Between Jesus and evil. 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:01.840 But the demon knows. 00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:03.019 Who is stronger. 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:03.899 Doesn't he. 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:06.319 He is under threat. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:07.439 From Jesus. 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:10.259 Have you come to destroy us. 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:12.220 Evil has met. 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:13.579 It's final match. 00:15:13.799 --> 00:15:14.439 In Jesus. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:17.000 Who can eradicate evil. 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:18.840 And destroy it. 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:20.300 And he does that. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:20.820 Doesn't he. 00:15:21.060 --> 00:15:22.180 In verse 25. 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.379 Be silent. 00:15:23.540 --> 00:15:24.460 He rebukes. 00:15:24.920 --> 00:15:26.259 This evil spirit. 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:27.720 Be silent. 00:15:27.899 --> 00:15:28.840 And come out of him. 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.660 And the unclean spirit. 00:15:30.780 --> 00:15:31.460 Convulted him. 00:15:31.540 --> 00:15:33.160 And crying out with a loud voice. 00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:34.759 Came out of him. 00:15:35.300 --> 00:15:37.340 He commands evil spirits. 00:15:38.040 --> 00:15:39.440 And they obey him. 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:40.360 His authority. 00:15:41.160 --> 00:15:42.080 Over evil. 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:45.120 But then there's a fourth authority. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:45.620 Isn't there. 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:46.519 His authority. 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:48.420 Over illness. 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:49.919 Look at verse 29. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:52.059 To 31. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.159 And we get this scene. 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:53.659 Don't we. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:54.379 Where. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.839 The disciples with Jesus. 00:15:56.839 --> 00:15:57.959 Leave the synagogue. 00:15:58.179 --> 00:15:59.319 And they go to the home. 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:00.339 Of Simon's. 00:16:00.339 --> 00:16:01.559 Mother-in-law. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.240 Listen. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:04.620 I'll refrain from doing. 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:05.759 Mother-in-law jokes. 00:16:05.979 --> 00:16:06.799 At this point. 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:08.620 What we see here. 00:16:08.979 --> 00:16:10.919 Is an amazing display. 00:16:11.079 --> 00:16:12.620 Of Jesus' authority. 00:16:13.579 --> 00:16:15.399 Over physical illness. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:16.959 Isn't it. 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.579 So Simon's. 00:16:19.579 --> 00:16:20.079 Mother-in-law. 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:21.019 Is bedridden. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.039 And just notice. 00:16:23.039 --> 00:16:24.659 The immediate effects. 00:16:25.319 --> 00:16:26.259 That this touch. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:27.039 On the hand. 00:16:27.179 --> 00:16:27.579 Has. 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:28.480 Verse 31. 00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:30.000 The fever left her. 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:31.439 And she began. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.360 To serve her. 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:33.220 Serve them. 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:35.259 No antibiotics. 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:37.699 No recovery time. 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:39.279 She got up. 00:16:39.379 --> 00:16:40.059 Straight away. 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:41.860 Put the kettle on. 00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:45.440 Sometimes it can be very scary. 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.039 Can't it. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:47.080 When people have. 00:16:47.680 --> 00:16:48.940 Too much authority. 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:51.120 People worry about. 00:16:51.259 --> 00:16:52.720 The power of corporations. 00:16:53.060 --> 00:16:54.680 The authority of big business. 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:55.300 Don't they. 00:16:56.539 --> 00:16:57.100 Authority. 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:59.639 Has become a bit of a dirty word. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:00.180 Isn't it. 00:17:00.300 --> 00:17:01.539 Somebody has authority. 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:03.360 Over somebody else. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:05.640 But the authority. 00:17:05.640 --> 00:17:06.519 That Jesus has. 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:07.400 Is quite different. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:07.960 From that. 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:08.500 Isn't it. 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:11.160 It's the kind of authority. 00:17:11.160 --> 00:17:11.940 That we. 00:17:12.060 --> 00:17:12.700 We need. 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:14.600 We need it. 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.759 In our lives. 00:17:16.620 --> 00:17:17.360 And if you're. 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:18.140 Not a Christian. 00:17:18.360 --> 00:17:19.019 Here today. 00:17:19.100 --> 00:17:19.500 Let me say. 00:17:19.540 --> 00:17:20.440 You're really welcome. 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:22.140 Maybe you're thinking. 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:22.580 This is. 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.779 This is just myth. 00:17:24.340 --> 00:17:25.420 This isn't real. 00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:27.600 You should. 00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:28.240 At least. 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:28.779 Though. 00:17:29.120 --> 00:17:30.340 Want to know. 00:17:31.080 --> 00:17:31.600 Somebody. 00:17:31.600 --> 00:17:32.620 With authority. 00:17:32.620 --> 00:17:33.519 Like this. 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.200 Authority. 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:36.080 Over men. 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:37.800 Authority. 00:17:37.800 --> 00:17:38.900 In teaching. 00:17:39.040 --> 00:17:40.060 Over religion. 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:41.500 Authority. 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:41.539 Authority. 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:42.480 Over illness. 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:43.179 Authority. 00:17:43.179 --> 00:17:44.220 Over evil. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:44.899 Itself. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:46.480 The mighty king. 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.319 With authority. 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:49.940 One of the things. 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:50.839 That lets me down. 00:17:50.919 --> 00:17:51.599 As a person. 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:53.179 Is how I can. 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.319 Procrastinate. 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:55.599 About almost. 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.139 Everything. 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:57.859 The urgent. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:58.500 Is always. 00:17:58.659 --> 00:17:58.980 The enemy. 00:17:59.099 --> 00:18:00.119 Of the most important. 00:18:00.339 --> 00:18:00.940 Isn't it. 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:02.299 So I can easily. 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.399 Put important. 00:18:03.599 --> 00:18:04.259 Things off. 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.099 On my diary. 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:05.960 By doing. 00:18:06.039 --> 00:18:06.399 Other. 00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:07.279 More urgent. 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:07.720 Things. 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:08.319 First. 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.420 It kind of. 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.140 Makes me feel. 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:10.600 Good. 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:12.600 And a person. 00:18:12.740 --> 00:18:13.120 With such. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:13.860 Authority. 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.940 Would naturally. 00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:17.079 Have that problem. 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:17.839 I think. 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:19.000 Of maybe. 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:19.579 Tempted. 00:18:19.620 --> 00:18:19.920 To be. 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:20.420 To be. 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:21.440 A procrastinator. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:22.480 Jesus. 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:22.839 Here. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:23.319 Creates. 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.259 Lots of interest. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:24.880 Doesn't he? 00:18:25.380 --> 00:18:26.460 Look at what happens. 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.539 In verse 32. 00:18:28.100 --> 00:18:28.640 At sunset. 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:29.640 They brought to him. 00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:30.559 All who were sick. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.019 And oppressed. 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:31.740 By demons. 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:33.240 The whole city. 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.460 Was gathered together. 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.799 At the door. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:37.759 And he healed many. 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.639 Who were sick. 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:40.379 With various diseases. 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.220 Secondly. 00:18:43.419 --> 00:18:43.720 We see. 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:44.220 About this. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.559 Authoritative king. 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:47.279 That he is a king. 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:48.639 With priorities. 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:50.019 A king. 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:50.779 With priorities. 00:18:51.059 --> 00:18:51.500 Jesus. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.619 Despite his popularity. 00:18:53.899 --> 00:18:55.279 Doesn't procrastinate. 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:57.619 He knows the difference. 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:59.879 Between the urgent jobs. 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.680 He has to do. 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:02.500 And the important job. 00:19:03.139 --> 00:19:04.200 That he has to do. 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:06.980 So there is all this activity. 00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:10.440 And Jesus is becoming a bit of a celebrity. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.799 There are massive crowds. 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.420 Coming to hear. 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:16.779 To be healed by him. 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:20.460 And so what we have in verse 35 to 39. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:22.039 Jesus goes away. 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:23.299 He departs. 00:19:23.840 --> 00:19:25.180 To be on his own. 00:19:25.600 --> 00:19:26.299 To pray. 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:28.860 It reminds us doesn't it. 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:31.580 That Jesus is not a one man band here. 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:33.799 He's not a kind of loner. 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:37.259 He is God's mighty king. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:40.180 He's concerned with God's will. 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:42.460 He converses with God the father. 00:19:42.580 --> 00:19:43.519 Doing his will. 00:19:43.900 --> 00:19:45.720 And so it's this prayer time. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:49.920 That helps Jesus to reaffirm his priorities. 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.799 As God's king. 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:55.080 Now he's faced with a dilemma isn't he. 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:57.000 And look at verse 36. 00:19:57.799 --> 00:20:00.079 Simon and those who were with him searched for him. 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:01.380 And they found him. 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:02.359 And said to him. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:04.500 Everyone is looking for you Jesus. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:08.619 It's a really really tough call at this point. 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:11.220 If you can think about it in his shoes. 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:13.539 He could stay in the area couldn't he. 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:16.319 And help those people with their sickness. 00:20:17.160 --> 00:20:17.920 Needing healing. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:20.099 Stay with us Lord. 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:21.379 And help us. 00:20:21.939 --> 00:20:23.119 With these issues. 00:20:24.199 --> 00:20:26.439 And his heart must break. 00:20:27.159 --> 00:20:28.480 At that point slightly. 00:20:29.199 --> 00:20:31.099 We read about his compassion. 00:20:31.459 --> 00:20:33.719 A few verses later with the leper. 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:36.159 In the next episode in Mark. 00:20:36.939 --> 00:20:39.299 Surely this is what God would want me to do. 00:20:39.359 --> 00:20:40.279 He might think. 00:20:40.439 --> 00:20:42.219 It's the loving thing isn't it. 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:45.700 And then there's the worldly fame. 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:48.539 And popularity he would get in Capernaum. 00:20:49.620 --> 00:20:51.680 But he's got another idea hasn't he. 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.880 Look at verse 38. 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:54.620 He said to them. 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:56.339 Let us go on to the next town. 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.559 So that I may preach. 00:20:58.100 --> 00:20:58.839 There also. 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:00.600 For that. 00:21:01.120 --> 00:21:02.500 Is what I came for. 00:21:03.579 --> 00:21:05.680 Jesus is clear on his priority. 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:08.400 It is to move on to other towns. 00:21:08.600 --> 00:21:09.460 And preach. 00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:11.140 Preach. 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:11.600 Why? 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.679 Why preaching? 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:15.779 Well haven't we seen already. 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:19.240 That Jesus' authority as king. 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:21.919 Comes through his word. 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:24.359 He calls the fishermen. 00:21:25.539 --> 00:21:26.919 He teaches in the synagogue. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:30.399 He rebukes the evil spirits. 00:21:31.659 --> 00:21:33.639 It's been through his word. 00:21:34.219 --> 00:21:36.480 That the battle is waged with evil. 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:38.939 The crowds. 00:21:38.939 --> 00:21:41.179 Are pushing him towards. 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:41.980 A healing ministry. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:42.580 A healing ministry. 00:21:42.580 --> 00:21:43.320 Aren't they? 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:46.360 But this is his agenda. 00:21:46.360 --> 00:21:47.320 For his work. 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:49.940 He chooses a word ministry. 00:21:50.820 --> 00:21:52.039 When he preaches. 00:21:52.180 --> 00:21:53.860 The demons oppose him. 00:21:54.560 --> 00:21:56.060 And evil is defeated. 00:21:57.060 --> 00:21:58.539 Now Mark tells us. 00:21:58.640 --> 00:21:59.860 That Jesus teaches. 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:01.200 17 times. 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:02.200 In Mark's gospel. 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.440 And he is called. 00:22:03.600 --> 00:22:04.240 The teacher. 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.039 11 times. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:05.599 11 times. 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:08.420 It's through his words. 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:11.200 That evil will be tackled. 00:22:11.880 --> 00:22:13.160 At the source. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.920 Rather than just the symptoms. 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:18.420 That appear on the outside. 00:22:18.420 --> 00:22:20.519 And doesn't that challenge us. 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:21.860 On what we think. 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:23.600 We most need from Jesus. 00:22:25.060 --> 00:22:27.519 His dealing with our immediate problems. 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:31.940 Or the authority and power of his word. 00:22:32.620 --> 00:22:33.900 To deal with evil. 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:36.140 His priority. 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:39.160 Is that we hear his teaching. 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:41.940 And accept his authority. 00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:43.000 As king. 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:46.220 He wants people to respond to him. 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:48.059 On the basis of his preaching. 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:51.100 Rather than lots of miracles. 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:54.900 So he will not coerce people. 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:57.120 Into believing through miracles. 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:58.039 And power. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.900 The message is. 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:04.120 If people don't accept me as king. 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.620 Through my word. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.700 And through my preaching. 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:10.920 Then they will never accept me. 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:12.600 Through miracles. 00:23:15.360 --> 00:23:16.640 Mark has told us. 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:17.120 Hasn't he. 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.980 From the very beginning. 00:23:18.100 --> 00:23:19.080 Who Jesus is. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.019 And if. 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:22.880 Jesus really is. 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:25.140 God in the flesh. 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.620 God's Christ. 00:23:27.620 --> 00:23:28.560 Then actually. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.860 The amazing events. 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:30.600 In these verses. 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:31.420 Fit that. 00:23:31.539 --> 00:23:32.000 Don't they. 00:23:32.880 --> 00:23:34.519 This is how you'd expect. 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:35.720 God to behave. 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.860 So he's not really. 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.900 Somebody that we can. 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:40.580 Ignore. 00:23:40.579 --> 00:23:41.059 Is he. 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.699 He's not. 00:23:41.699 --> 00:23:42.960 A safe person. 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:44.139 That we can kind of shelf. 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:46.939 He is authoritative. 00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:49.480 And his word. 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.779 Is where that authority. 00:23:51.500 --> 00:23:52.939 Bears down upon us. 00:23:54.319 --> 00:23:56.139 They left their nets. 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:57.039 And immediately. 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.980 Followed him. 00:23:58.980 --> 00:24:00.639 They were astonished. 00:24:01.119 --> 00:24:02.259 At his teaching. 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:04.319 He commands. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.480 Evil spirits. 00:24:05.679 --> 00:24:07.159 And they even obey him. 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:09.700 They were amazed. 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:10.620 Saying. 00:24:10.620 --> 00:24:11.840 What is this. 00:24:11.840 --> 00:24:13.300 A new teaching. 00:24:13.300 --> 00:24:14.180 With authority. 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.880 The fever left her. 00:24:17.540 --> 00:24:19.160 And she began to serve them. 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.040 Let's pray. 00:24:21.040 --> 00:24:21.080 Let's pray. 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.279