authority

A key teaching in the Gospel According to Mark 1:21–28 (NABRE) is that Jesus teaches with authority and the scribes don’t. The evangelist identifies this as the key differentiator in Jesus’ teaching.

The Greek word ἐξουσία (exousia) is translated as authority in this passage. It also can mean “power.” This word contains a derivative of the Greek verb “to be,” and so is related to being or to what is. Authority or power in this context is the ability to change what is or to alter reality. In this week’s passage, we see an example of Jesus’ authority when he drives out an unclean spirit. Jesus’ words aren’t merely descriptive but performative—his teachings by their very nature create new reality.

Consider whether you see Jesus’ words and teachings as still having authority today. What role, if any, do you think our responses to God’s teaching have in how much authority they’re perceived as having?

you also may like our study of the Gospel According to John
The Gospel According to John: An Encounter with Grace & Truth, a 25-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, examines the Fourth Gospel’s view of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, with special emphasis on the institution of the sacraments of the Church as the means by which Christians are purified and made holy. This recently revised study includes maps and additional commentary, and takes a closer look at the way in which Jesus relates to individual men and women. Click on the book’s cover to view a sample lesson.

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