February 1 | Mark 6:6-13

by Kristin Schoeff

Imagine the flurry of excitement when word got out that Jesus was coming to YOUR town or village! Word had spread that wherever he went, miracles happened! The sick were healed, lepers cleansed, the blind received their sight, and those oppressed by evil, impure spirits were set free! And when he taught from the scriptures, there was a different quality of power and authority—Jesus HAD authority and used it to bring God’s Kingdom to earth.

The word “authority” is defined in Webster’s New World College Dictionary as “the power or right to give commands, enforce obedience, take action or make final decisions.” As I read today’s passage, I was struck by the fact that Jesus not only used his authority as God’s Son here on earth to fulfill God’s original plan for blessing and wholeness in his creation, but he shared his authority with his disciples. (Mark 6:7) When Jesus first called his inner circle in Mark 3:13-15, we’re told “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Jesus called his disciples and trained them by example to preach repentance and then to heal and free people from demonic oppression. Then he sent them out to do the same, empowered by his authority. He didn’t wait until the end of his earthly ministry to turn things over to them and have them multiply the impact of his presence. He entrusted this power to those he had called and trained while he was still with them.

Reading and reflecting on these early chapters in the Gospel of Mark, I see Jesus working through those who are his disciples—who believe in him and are students of his teaching, his Word. This may be a big leap for you, but I believe he calls us as well, if we have put our faith in him and are taught by his Word, to do the work he began when he walked on this earth and he will equip us with the wisdom and the power we need to participate with him. As I studied this passage, I saw how Jesus chooses to use those devoted to him to do his work—by sharing the very authority that he has over the enemy. I John 3:8 tells us that “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” His promise in John 10:10 is that “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” (NASB)

Just think how the deliverance and freedom that Jesus promised could be multiplied through this world as we his followers trust him, submit to him, and pray and act in line with his will and with his authority.

Dear Lord Jesus, we pray you would send us in your power to minister freedom and healing to those in need around us. In your mighty name we pray, Amen.