Mark 1:21–22; 10:17–22

Bible Studies for Life 
Director, Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University

TEACHINGS LIKE NO OTHER

Mark 1:21–22; 10:17–22

These are interesting times for teachers and students. Topics such as “common core,” “performance-based assessment” and “teaching for the test” are in the news on a regular basis. Public school educators in particular face growing challenges in the present context of shifting expectations and demands. There are many “experts” eager to provide an opinion about what constitutes good teaching. They consider their insights the best of all for use deciding student progress and the efficiency of teachers and schools. Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, authoritative experts are all too common these days.

Jesus lived and taught in a time when there were many so-called “authoritative” voices. Many religious leaders of that time not only claimed to be authoritative, they expected others to regard them as such. The Gospel writers raise important questions about these leaders. Who among so many religious authorities had credibility? Who could be regarded as trustworthy, wise and true? Mark’s Gospel records two incidents that provide insight about Jesus the Teacher and how people responded to His lessons about faith and living right.

Jesus taught with authority. (1:21–22)

Capernaum was home base for Jesus’ Galilean ministry (2:1). The language of verse 21 implies that synagogue attendance was a regular Sabbath activity for Jesus. This helps us understand why He would be received as a teacher; He was known among those attending the synagogue. He had become someone with credibility, likely because of his faithful attendance and the fresh insights He offered. Services in the synagogue included readings from Scripture, instruction based on the Law and prophetic writings, prayers and blessings. 

It is important to note that after Jesus’ teachings began to be rejected (Mark 6), He stopped teaching in the synagogue. The synagogue became a symbol of the hostility His message generated among the religious establishment. His “students” were astonished at His teachings. His words had the power of both conviction and knowledge. Unlike the religious leaders, His teaching was considered authoritative, as if He spoke from first-hand experience.

Jesus’ instruction was motivated by love. (10:17–21a)

On another occasion, Jesus encountered a seeker who had heard about His teachings. Mark records that the man ran to Jesus and fell on his knees before Him. Kneeling was a common approach to Jesus used by those seeking healing from infirmities. This man inquired about healing of a spiritual infirmity. Mark compared eternal life to the kingdom of God (vv. 23–25). This kind of life is not limited by time. It encompasses all of life, both now and in the future. The kingdom of God has an effect on how one lives his or her life. This was made clear by Jesus’ response to the pious seeker. Mark alone notes that Jesus felt affection for this man, possibly because of the seeker’s humility and sincerity. 

Jesus’ teaching calls for a response. (10:21b–22)

We might think one who kept all the commandments and lived a truly good, devout life would have been a part of the Kingdom. Not so, said the Good Teacher. There was one more surprising requirement. Jesus’ message was about meaningful, unbounded life to come as well as for the present: “the kingdom of God is within the hearts of people” (Luke 17:20–21). Yet getting the heart ready for the kingdom of God is not so easy. The pious seeker went away sad upon hearing Jesus’ response. We must not be quick to judge this seeker.

The life of discipleship involves challenging choices that require sacrifice. Yet there is great fulfillment and blessing that accompanies obedience. Perhaps Jesus was just as sad for the seeker’s sake as the seeker was with Jesus’ answer.