Mark 1:21-28

Read Mark 1:21-28

Helpful Background Information:

• The gospel of Mark was written by Mark as, what many scholars believe to be, the first recorded gospel. In this gospel, the very first miracle recorded is this narrative, where Jesus drives out an impure spirit. This is not the chronological first miracle, but is significant because of its display of Jesus as having power over impure spirits.

• In this narrative, Jesus is described as being in a synagogue. These places were used as community centers for prayer and study. Many religious teachers would gather in these places to teach. In this, the culturally normal activity was to teach using valued sources. Original thought and authority in teaching was looked down upon. This is why Jesus’ authority and new teachings were astonishing to the people of the time. 

• When the demon referred to Jesus as the Holy One of God. This is referred to in 1 John 2:20, where John talks about the Holy One anointing His people. Through the Old Testament, this title is used as well. Isaiah uses the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” at least 26 times, as well as a couple times in the Psalms and Habakkuk, indicating how the demon knew that Jesus is in very nature God. 

Reflection Questions:

• The demon who was possessing a man in the synagogue knew who Jesus was, yet was not righteous. What is the difference between having a knowledge of who Jesus is and having faith?

• By being called the Holy One of Israel, Jesus is being referred to as being the God which Israel knew from the beginning. Why is Jesus’ divinity important? How does that add to His authority over your personal life and your understanding of His words in Scripture?

• John claims that the Holy One of God, meaning Jesus, anoints His people, meaning that He set His people apart by filling them with the Holy Spirit. With this in mind, how can you live as someone set apart through the Holy Spirit?