Mark 1: 22-28 Who do men say that Jesus is?

²² They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. ²³ Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, ²⁴ saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” ²⁵ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” ²⁶ Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. ²⁷ They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” ²⁸ Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

Jesus' early ministry began in the northern part of Palestine known as Galilee. He began his teaching in the synagogues and people perceived him as one teaching with authority in contrast to the teaching usually heard from the scribes. By this, they mean that Jesus teaching was deep and relevant to their lives, not only the letter of the law. They wondered who spoke with such understanding and then the story opens up that the demons knew well who he was and questioned what business they had (knowing that they were judged). From his early days until his time of passion, people did not understand they were dealing with the Son of God.

Daily Prayer: Father, unless someone reveals Jesus as the incarnate son, people continue to misunderstand him. Now about a third of the world confess him as the Christ, but there is much work left undone. Unless people call on his name for the forgiveness of sins they will surely perish. I volunteer my time and life to tell the gospel to others so that they may be drawn to you. In Jesus name I pray Amen.