Introduction to Mark’s Gospel - JESUS THE MESSIAH, THE SERVANT, Ron Ward
JESUS DRIVES OUT AN IMPURE SPIRIT
Passage: Mark 1:21~28  
Key verse: 25
Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit(A)
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.(B) 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.(C) 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us,(D) Jesus of Nazareth?(E) Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”(F)
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”(G) 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.(H)
27 The people were all so amazed(I) 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.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region(J) of Galilee.
Cross references
- Mark 1:21 : 1:21-28pp — Lk 4:31-37
- Mark 1:21 : ver 39; S Mt 4:23; S Mk 10:1
- Mark 1:22 : S Mt 7:28, 29
- Mark 1:24 : S Mt 8:29
- Mark 1:24 : Mt 2:23; Lk 24:19; Jn 1:45, 46; Ac 4:10; 24:5
- Mark 1:24 : Ps 16:10; Isa 41:14, 16, 20; Lk 1:35; Jn 6:69; Ac 3:14; 1Jn 2:20
- Mark 1:25 : ver 34
- Mark 1:26 : Mk 9:20
- Mark 1:27 : Mk 10:24, 32
- Mark 1:28 : S Mt 9:26
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
Then there was a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit. He cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” In the presence of Jesus, the impure spirit reacted violently. This is our sinful nature before Jesus. Before the presence of Jesus and the words of God, we react violently, not wanting to submit. Our sins of anger, lust, unbelief, fear, jealousy, etc. constantly fight against Jesus, not wanting to escape from our hearts. “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. Only Jesus’ words can free us from our sins.
May we come to Jesus who is the son of God who gives the words of God with authority and frees us from the power of impure spirits.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for giving us powerful words with authority and frees us from the bondage of sin.
One Word: Jesus is the only healer of our souls.