Have you ever been in a room when someone speaks and the atmosphere simply changes?
Not because they were loud or theatrical, but because there was something behind the words. Weight. Clarity. An authority you couldn’t quite put your finger on but couldn’t ignore either.
Jesus the Teacher
In one of his early ministry moments Jesus is given the opportunity to teach in the local synagogue (Mark 1:21-39). And while we’re not told what he taught, we’re told how it landed on his audience.
“The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (Mark 1:22)
Now these teachers of the law were learned men. They had spent their lives studying the scriptures and traditions of Israel. Their teaching method, however, was to essentially quote authorities, past rabbis and respected interpretations. They may have dealt with the text of scripture a little, but they grounded their own authority on the teaching of others. It’s built on the stilts of others.
Jesus doesn’t do this when he teaches. He doesn’t borrow authority from others. Instead, he teaches as someone who had firsthand experience, he teaches as someone who knew what he was teaching.
Preaching with Power
There is something recognisable for those of us who have sat under preaching that carries a particular anointing of the Spirit. The message lands right where you are. It speaks exactly to what you need this week. It reveals more of the scriptures to you in a compelling way. It is a sermon that grabs your attention more than usual. This is the Word of God speaking through a person as they preach. This is the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God.
Like an archer with an arrow, the Word of God pierces the heart and soul. And it is Jesus who teaches with this kind of presence and authority.
King Jesus: A Series in Mark’s Gospel
Part 1: King Jesus: The Beginning of The Good News
Part 2: King Jesus: The Messenger
Part 3: King Jesus: The Love of God the Father
Part 4: King Jesus: The Kingdom of God
Part 5: King Jesus: The Calling of The Ordinary
Part 6: King Jesus: Place and Purpose
Part 7: King Jesus: The Authority Behind The Words
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