A look at the gaps in the lectionary.
This week: the gap between
The text: None (next is Mark 1:29-39)
After the baptism of Jesus, we skipped over the Temptation, to do two weeks of call stories; then last week’s trip to Capernaum. When Jesus went to a synagogue to teach (”with authority!”) and exorcize a demon.
Keeping this context in mind helps us see how Jesus is being perceived as much as what he does.
Of all the things going on in the story so far, I want to remind us of these:
- Jesus has just gotten started. And this is the first anyone is really seeing of him.
- Jesus astounds people. Which isn’t just about hope—it also brings fear.
- Jesus has uncommon authority. Which we might think of as credibility—as one who talks and walks the talk.
I think this helps us wrestle with the idea of Jesus expanding the scope of his work here.
When Jesus calls those first four people to come fish for people, it seems that there was a clear expectation. Jesus is a rabbi and they are to be his disciples. This connotes a model of instruction, relationship, and type of ministry together.
So when Jesus steps into that synagogue and yanks a demon out of a dude, it is pretty obvious that he defied everyone’s expectations.
And yet, just as surprising, was how that defiance was met with excitement. They saw this as a “new teaching”. And this, too, with authority.
The exorcism
As we head into this week’s gospel, let’s note how much expectations have been revised to account for the new reality about Jesus.
The rabbi is also an exorcist.
We know that the expectations will continue to grow as we progress through Mark. But for now, we are treated to someone who isn’t just growing in celebrity and renown. He is growing in authority.
People are seeing in him someone they can trust and believe in.
In the United States, this is an obsession: trust and belief and singular authority. But let us not miss what is developing here. Not that Jesus is amassing political power (though that is a thing that is happening), but that people are turning to him because he astounds them. Because he defies expectations.
This authority doesn’t come from hierarchies or credentials. And it isn’t a power to have his way. Nor is it a foundation of leadership.
It is based in novelty, surprise, and delight. He contrasts with the scribes, provides genuine hope, and represents a departure from a societal dead end.
While this is the substance of that ideal we call leadership, it also isn’t the stuff that comes to mind when a person describes “a leader.”
In other words, the fact that Jesus provided the people with a novel experience and tangible hope in their lives captivated the people in Capernaum. And, as we’ll see this week, will set even more people on enthusiastic fire.