Jesus is recorded to have authoritative teaching in the Capernaum synagogue. The synagogues were local places of worship and did not have their own priest. The synagogue elders allowed any competent Jewish man to teach. As a traveling preacher, Jesus was often invited to speak in village synagogues.
Mark 1: 21 Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law. [1]
The Difference Between Jewish Teachers and Jesus
In the synagogues, a portion of the Law of Moses or the works of the prophets would have been read from a scroll. This could lead to a discussion of the laws or theology. Those making a point would often quote another teacher to give their words more authority. They might say as Moses or Rabbi so-and-so said.
Jesus didn’t have to quote other experts because He was the authority. He was God in the flesh, and the Word of God embodied in human form. John 1: 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone… 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.[2]
Amazed at His Authority
The Greek word translated “amazed” is a strong word. It could be either the first step towards faith or offense at what Jesus was doing. Mark is vague about which way the people were moving. There simply seems to be a discussion about what is happening.[3] Jesus had backed His authoritative teaching with action when He commanded the evil spirit to leave.
There was no boredom in the synagogue that day. Unfortunately, we in the twenty-first century are hard to amaze. How many times have we taken the teachings of Jesus for granted? Do we plan our grocery list or take a nap during the sermon?
We believers should be amazed and willing to worship Jesus for His teaching. The creator of the universe came to die for our sins because He loves each of us. Yes, even though we can never earn our salvation, God loves us. That fact alone is amazing and hopefully urges you to come to faith or deepen your faith in Jesus.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/power-over-the-demonic
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (p. 412). Tyndale House Publishers.