Evil Spirits (Mark 1:21-28) Here we see Jesus exercise rule and authority over evil spirits.
- Verse 24 shows that the evil spirit immediately recognized Jesus for who he was.
- Notice also that Jesus did not have to scream or shout or get worked up to get rid of the demon. He simply says “be quite” (or literally be muzzled) and then says “come out.”
- This demonstrates true authority and true reign.
- So, the first part of Jesus reign and rule is over Satan and evil spirits.
- Sickness (Mark 1:29-35) Here we see Jesus have reign and authority over sickness.
- Jesus clearly demonstrates authority over sickness throughout the Gospels.
- Sin (Mark 2:1-12) Jesus pronounces that the man’s sins are forgiven.
- Something that seemed blasphemous to the religious leaders.
- Jesus proved His authority to forgive sins by also healing the man right in front of everybody.
- When we remain in bondage to sin then we are under the death penalty, we are afflicted with guilt and shame. The enemy wants to keep us under the weight and burden of that sin.
- Jesus and His cross completely eliminate our sin, and therefore our guilt and shame.
- Nature (Mark 4:35-41) Jesus actually uses the same word here “be quite” or “be muzzled” as he did back the with the demon.
- But both occurrences of this verb are in the passive voice.
- But in the passive voice the subject is acted upon or receives the action expressed by the verb. No willingness is needed by the subject.
- So the act of “being stilled” or “muzzled” is happening to the waves. They have no part in it.
- Jesus’ authority is so great that it extends even to the wind and waves. Jesus’ will acts upon the waves
- Death (Mark 5:38-43) Death was the ultimate enemy of Man and the greatest victory of Satan.
- But Jesus’ reign overcomes even death. With Jesus there is no fear even of death.
- Hunger and circumstantial need. (Mark 6:35-56) While Jesus rules over big things like nature and death he is also not blind to the little things like the need for food.
- Notice that it says Jesus had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd and so he taught them and fed them.
- Money/finances and earthly governments (Matt 17:24-27) Jesus uses his rule and authority to rule over nature and provide for their financial need.
- The coin itself was issued by another authority but to show that Jesus has rule over both the producer of the coin and the collector of the tax Jesus produces a coin through His unique authority.
Conclusion: Jesus’ love for us is so great that He couldn’t leave us where we were, so He set us free from sin, death, sickness, bondage, hunger and want.