The preceding paragraph asks “What is the Gospel?” Today’s text asks “Who is Jesus?” Throughout Mark, the crowds, the religious leaders, and even the disciples are often wrong about Jesus. Mark records them asking important questions for us to consider like, “What is this? A new teaching with authority!” He ironically records statements of truth on the lips of unlikely characters such as a Roman guard (15:39), or the demon in today’s text, “I know who you are. The holy one of God.”  

It is important to observe that Jesus went into Capernaum to teach, not to cast out demons, which was merely a side effect that was connected to his teaching. The same is true of the healing that will occur in the next paragraph. These power signs were a compassionate witness to his authority to teach. In answer to the question of his identity, we can see something that was true then and today.

Jesus is the Word that sets people free.

When Jesus taught, we keep seeing reactions of astonishment, marveling, amazement, etc. An important distinction must be made, however, that being impressed with Jesus and living by faith in him are not the same thing. Ask yourself if you believe Jesus is the smartest person ever to live. Even demons believe he is God and tremble, but they don’t live by his word (James 2:19).

Jesus taught that the Son must die for sins and rise on the third day. For those who receive him by faith, there is freedom from God’s wrath and the consequences of sin. In effect, death no longer has power over the Christian. But there is more, the rest of this life to live. His teaching in Mark 4 pointed to fruitfulness of 30, 60 or even 100 times what was sown for the person who receives his word. Build your live on Jesus’ word that sets you free!

Taking it home:  Reflect on how true this statement may be of you presently:  I trust Jesus with my eventual death, but I still don’t trust him with my current life.