What is this?
What can it do?
… Sure it can change the channel, adjust the volume, navigate guides, term TV’s on and off… but it can also do many more things!
Just like we today’s Scripture reminds us that Jesus is always in control of any situation. He heals, teaches, loves… He seeks to be a part of our lives (not as a “control freak”) but as some one who wants us to make positive choices!
As you think about Jesus… what do you think some of his most well-known teachings are?
The congregation came up with a few about getting washed; the sinless casting the first stone; (just to name a few)… what about you? What do you think are some of his most well known teachings / stories?
Today, the congregation explored the scripture Mark 1:21-28 (specifically from The Message:
Mark 1:21-28The Message (MSG)
Confident Teaching
21-22 Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.
23-24 Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!”
25-26 Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.
27-28 Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.
The Message (MSG)Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Following this, we focussed on a few discussion points
– Jesus’ authority cast out an unclean spirit who possessed a man. What type of modern demons do we experience that keep us from fully embracing the abundant life that God would have for us?
– The word “control” can sometimes have negative connotations because it may imply being forced to do something against our will. What does it mean to allow God to be in control of our lives?
– What teachings of Jesus are especially important to us as we try to follow God’s direction for our lives?
We concluded our discussion by listening to a song called “Control” by Tenth Avenue North.
I invite you to read today’s scripture and reflect on these questions.