Mark 1:21-28
Chapter 1
21
He Teaches and Exorcises in Capernaum
They went into the town of Capernaum, and Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath.22
The people were amazed by the way he taught, for he spoke with authority, not like the teachers of the law.
23
It happened that a man with an evil spirit was in their synagogue
24
and he shouted:
“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: you are the Holy One of God.”
25
Then Jesus faced him and said with authority:
“Be silent and come out of this man!”
26
The evil spirit violently shook the man and, with a loud shriek, left him.
27
Everyone was amazed and asked:
“What is this? With what authority does he preach? He even commands evil spirits, and they obey him!”
28
And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.
Commentaries
He Teaches and Exorcises in Capernaum.
Jesus teaches and acts with authority rooted in God’s liberating power. In the language and mindset of the time, the evangelist depicts his struggle against the forces that oppress humanity. The exorcism he performs on the “possessed” man is also an invitation to his disciples to fight against all forms of “possession” that subjugate and demean humanity as they proclaim the Gospel. People begin to admire him because his preaching and teaching are united; they are one and the same, showing consistency. This admiration immediately sparks curiosity about his true identity: “What does this mean?” (27).