It’s a classic movie cliché—the teacher is gone for the day, and in walks a substitute. The substitute doesn’t have the authority or relationship with the students, so the students feel free to subvert the sub’s borrowed authority with pranks and general hilarity. Authority matters. While a substitute teacher has authority in name, he or she doesn’t have the same authority as a teacher who has earned it through relationship.

In Mark’s Gospel, we see the authority of Jesus. Mark describes Jesus’ entering the synagogue and teaching the people. He is recognized by his hearers as one with authority, not like local scribes. The type of authority Jesus has is divine. He is fully God and fully human, and his listeners recognize this authority right away.

Jesus illustrates his authority as a teacher through his actions. When a man with an unclean spirit comes to him, he names Jesus as the Holy One of God. Jesus rebukes the spirit, and it comes out of him. And again, his hearers are amazed at a “new teaching with authority.” Jesus’ healing ministry not only corroborates his authority but also validates his ministry of teaching.

When faced with the authority of Jesus, what will we do? Will we be amazed, will we fight against it, or will we worship? Will we recognize the authority of Jesus?

The idea of “authority” in western, individualistic cultures can feel stifling. We often want to fight against the limits and boundary lines of God’s good order so we can make our own way in the world. Recognizing your desire to be in control of your own life, spend some time thinking about the goodness of God’s authority. God uses authority to enlighten, to heal, to be known, and to tell us what the kingdom of God is like.