Authority
Mark 1:21-28
Illustration
by David M. Rhoads

A Lutheran professor named David Rhoads points out that in Mark "Jesus wields authority over demons, illnesses (when people have faith), and natural forces (seas, deserts, trees) - nonhuman forces that oppress people. Jesus wields no authority, however, over people. He cannot heal people without faith, make them keep quiet if they wish to speak, or force his disciples to understand his teachings." Jesus has dominion over all aspects of life but not authority to "lord it over" humans - plenty of other religious figures, ancient and contemporary, try to do that. Jesus, rather, has divine authority to serve people.

Proclamation 5, Epiphany, Series B , by David M. Rhoads