Gospel of Mark Bible Part 8: Teacher with Authority [Bible Study]

Bible Study Title: Jesus – The Teacher with Authority

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:21-28

Opening Prayer

Ask God to help you receive His Word with understanding, submit to Jesus’ authority in every area of your life, and remain alert against deception.

Introduction

When Jesus began teaching in the synagogue, the people were immediately struck by the difference in His teaching. Unlike the scribes, He taught with authority—and confirmed His words with miraculous signs. His authority was not borrowed from others; it came from His identity as the Son of God.

Bible Reading

Read Mark 1:21-28 and Luke 4:16-22 for comparison.

Section 1 – The Setting

• Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was His custom.

• Capernaum became a central base for His ministry (Matthew 4:12-13).

• Synagogues provided a natural audience for proclaiming God’s Word.

  
  

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think people immediately noticed the difference in Jesus’ teaching?

2. What does this passage show about the importance of gathering to hear God’s Word?

   
   

Section 2 – The Manner of His Teaching

• Scribes often quoted past rabbis for authority; Jesus said, “But I say to you…” (Matthew 5:27-28).

• His teaching was direct, clear, and rooted in divine authority.

• Even His critics admitted, “Never has a man spoken like this!” (John 7:46).

Reflection: Are you more influenced by human opinion or by the authority of Scripture?

Section 3 – Authority Displayed in Action

• A man with an unclean spirit interrupted the service, recognizing Jesus as “the Holy One of God.”

• Jesus rebuked the spirit and commanded it to leave—demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm.

• Such miracles confirmed His message came from God (Hebrews 2:1-4).

  
  

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Jesus’ authority over demons encourage believers today?

2. Why is it important to confirm teaching with the truth of Scripture rather than just signs and wonders?

   
   

Section 4 – Guarding Against Deception

• Hebrews 2:1 warns us to pay close attention so we don’t drift away.

• Jesus cautioned in Matthew 24:4 to be on guard against deception.

• Red flags of being led astray include:

  • Discouragement from reading the Bible (1 John 2:27)

  • Believing God approves everything you do (James 1:26)

  • Relying on rules instead of heart transformation (Galatians 5:4)

  • Being a stumbling block to others (Romans 14:13)

  • Living contrary to your stated beliefs (Romans 8:5)

    
    

Reflection: Which of these warnings do you need to watch for most in your own walk?

Memory Verse

Mark 1:22 – “And they were astonished at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Closing Challenge

Jesus taught with both authority and truth. His authority was confirmed by His works, but the focus was always on the Word of God. As His disciples, we must both submit to His authority and share His truth—never allowing signs or feelings to replace Scripture as our foundation.

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