“Jesus and his followers went into Capernaum.
Immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and started teaching.
The people were amazed by his teaching, for he was teaching them with authority,
not like the legal experts. Suddenly in the synagogue, a person with an evil spirit screamed,
‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.’
‘Silence!’ Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. ‘Come out of him!’
The unclean spirit shook him and screamed, then it came out.’”
(Mark 1:1-26)
I remember reading about two descriptions of authority that resonate with this text.
The first is Positional Authority where someone expects people to respect him or her because of the position they hold. Sometimes this is made explicit: “I am the President of a company, I am the manager of this certain department, I am the parent or grandparent or elder.”
Those who function from Positional Authority speak and act in ways that can make others feel inferior to them in terms of knowledge or experience or wisdom. Because of that, Positional Authority can be dangerous and the exact opposite of Jesus’ example in how we should live and be.
The second is Relational Authority which is exhibited by leaders who seek to earn respect. They seek to be transparent with those they lead, transparent about their mission and vision, and transparent about their own failings and shortcomings
Relational Authority happens when a leader is clear and focused but in the clarity and the strength and the vision there is a deeply human and humble approach. And because of that, authority is established.
Most of us are more attracted to following Relational leaders than Positional leaders because we recognize in them an authenticity and a deep humanity which allows us to be human too.
Jesus’ authority was definitely Relational in his deep connection with God. His leadership and authority was not just about what he said, there was something about Jesus’ presence, his energy, his sense of calm and confidence and trust. Trust, not in others, but in himself AND most importantly in God.
Mark’s reading tells us that Jesus’ authority brought and brings healing, light and life to people, calling out all that makes them unclean and making them and us new.
Soon we begin the season of Lent, a time to reflect on life – our own and others. A time to once again turn towards God, turn towards Jesus and reflect on who we are called to be and whose authority we follow.
Peace and Joy
Pastor Cindy