Teaching in the Synagogue at Capernaum

Setting: Capernaum on the Sabbath
- Both accounts take place in Capernaum during the Sabbath while Jesus is teaching in the synagogue.
Jesus' Teaching Astonishes the People
- In both accounts, the people are amazed at Jesus' teaching because His words have authority—not like the scribes.
Encounter with a Man Possessed by an Unclean Spirit
- A demon-possessed man cries out, recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God.
Jesus Rebukes the Unclean Spirit
- Jesus commands the demon to be silent and come out, and the demon obeys.
The Crowd is Amazed by Jesus' Authority
- Both Gospels emphasize that the people marvel at Jesus’ power over demons, spreading His fame.

Element	Mark 1:21-28	Luke 4:31-37
Emphasis	Jesus' authority over demons and teaching	Jesus' teaching itself has power
Reaction of the Demon	The demon cries out in fear and acknowledges Jesus' identity	The demon throws the man down but does not harm him
Reaction of the People	People are amazed at His new teaching with authority	People marvel at how Jesus' words have power
Word Choice	Mark emphasizes "astonishment" (θάμβος)	Luke emphasizes "authority and power" (ἐξουσία and δύναμις)

Mark (written first) presents Jesus’ authority over demons in a dramatic, action-packed manner.
Luke (writing later) refines the story, emphasizing not just Jesus’ exorcism power, but also the power in His words.
This shift reflects a theological development—Luke moves beyond miracle-working power to emphasize the Word of Jesus itself as having power.
Luke may also be responding to Greek thought, where words and wisdom were highly valued, by showing that Jesus’ words carry divine authority.

Mark:
- Focuses on astonishment—Jesus’ authority is new and shocking.
- Jesus’ teaching and His power over demons are both seen as revolutionary.
- Emphasizes conflict between Jesus and demonic forces, setting up His spiritual battle throughout the Gospel.
Luke:
- Highlights the power of Jesus' words—not just His ability to cast out demons, but the authority in His teaching itself.
- Adds a small but meaningful detail: The demon throws the man down but does not harm him—showing Jesus’ deliverance brings restoration, not just authority.
- Themes of healing and restoration emerge more clearly in Luke's account.

Mark (Authority Over Demons & Teaching as a New Power)
- Deuteronomy 18:15 – "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me… you must listen to Him." (A new teaching with authority)
- Psalm 89:9-10 – "You rule over the raging sea; when its waves surge, You still them." (God’s power over chaos)
Luke (Power of the Word & Restoration Through Jesus)
- Psalm 33:9 – "For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm." (Jesus' words bring reality)
- Isaiah 55:11 – "So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty but will accomplish what I desire." (Jesus' words have inherent power)

Jesus' Power Overcomes Both Fear and Chaos
- In Mark, the demons fear and recognize Jesus—the spiritual realm knows who He is, even before people do.
- In Luke, Jesus’ words themselves carry divine power—His speech restores, not just His actions.
The Contrast Between the Scribes and Jesus
- The scribes relied on interpretation of tradition, but Jesus' words were direct and effective.
- This reflects the difference between legalistic knowledge vs. spiritual authority.
The Role of the Demon as a Witness
- The demon correctly identifies Jesus, but Jesus silences it—why?
- This highlights the difference between knowing about Jesus vs. truly following Him.
- Many today recognize Jesus intellectually, but only those who trust in Him experience His power.
The Bigger Picture: Jesus as the Word Who Brings Order
- Mark shows immediate confrontation between Jesus and evil.
- Luke refines this to show that Jesus' words themselves have power to restore.
- Connecting this to Genesis 1—just as God’s word brought order to chaos, Jesus’ word brings order to spiritual darkness.

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