Mark 1:23-24 – January 15, 2020

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:23-24 NABRE      

Jesus goes to the synagogue and is teaching as any male is welcome to do who is familiar with the scriptures. As Jesus is teaching He is confronted with the presence of a man with an unclean spirit, a demon possession, someone who has been taken over by evil in some demonic character. Amazingly evil is always aware of who Jesus is and why He has come. Fearing for its future evil tries to intimidate Jesus and challenge Him whenever and wherever it can. But Jesus is not intimidated, showing His role is to destroy evil, Jesus rebukes the spirit and has it leave the man. Evil must comply. Jesus has command over all that is going on around Him. Either through prayer or confidence in the Father, Jesus is in control of everything He does and says and we never see a moment when Jesus is surprised by an interruption or question. As the people who witnessed this event were amazed and impressed we are often impressed with Jesus response to questions that are asked, seemingly to trip him up. We should learn from Jesus approach to others. He always listens and is aware of all that is being asked or implied. He sees more than an “either or” answer in every situation. Jesus never tries to “score points” or beat someone in a debate, He always finds a way for the questioner to save face or step away without being embarrassed or ridiculed. Jesus sees the value of every person.

We should try to be more like Jesus when interacting with others, seek the truth but proceed with love. 

When you are challenged are you quick to go on the offensive? Can you find more than a dualistic response to challenges? 

We should try to be more like Jesus when interacting with others, seek the truth but proceed with love. Click To Tweet

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