JESUS THE TEACHER
Mark 1:21-22
The job of a photographer is to capture
the essence, tone, and feel of the moment, place, or person. A good photograph
is more than capturing the simple likeness of the subject. A good photograph is
one that allows the viewer to not only see the object, but feel the essence of
the object. A good photograph makes us not only see, but to feel the emotions of
the subject. It centers our attention on the subject. A good portrait gives us
the likeness of the person, but goes much deeper and captures the character of
the person. Mark does this in the simple portrait of Jesus as teacher. Mark
records “They went into Capernaum
The Setting. The setting of a photograph can make it extraordinary,
or simply make it ordinary. The setting makes this picture of Jesus. The
setting tells us immediately that it is a place of instruction. The people
gathered to pray and learn of God. Unlike our churches today, the service in
the synagogue consisted of three things—reading the Word, prayer, and teaching
the Word.[1] It
was a special place for a special purpose. It has the feel and element of
worshipfulness. It has this special feel that is completely different than his teaching
at other locations (e.g. Sermon on the Mount). The setting makes the feel and
tone of the picture that Mark wants to convey to the reader.
The Action. Jesus “began to
teach.” Notice that the action is stated simply and without detail. We do
not know what Jesus taught on that day. We only know that he taught. This was a
key feature of the ministry of Christ (Mark 2:13, 4:1-2; 6:2, 6, 34; 8:31;
10:1; 11:17; 12:35; 14:49). The synagogue was not only a place of worship, but
edification as well. Christ edified with his teaching.
The Results. This is the focus of the photograph. The setting and
the action leads us to the emphasis of the event. This is where the emotion of
the picture centers. Without this element of the snapshot; it is ordinary,
without life and feeling. This gives it the touch of the extraordinary. This is
indicated by two features:
- Amazement. “They were astonished at his doctrine” (Mark 1:22, KJV). If a photographer would have been at this event, I am sure he would make a point to capture the expression on the faces in attendance that day. This indicates the impact of Jesus’ teaching. The word astonished (amazed) indicates that it “struck the people like a blow, knocking them out of their normal state of mind.”[2] Whatever Jesus taught, it amazed them, for it was the voice of God.
- Authority. This authority came not because of what was said so much as who said it. This is the first of other early snapshots in Mark (1:22, 27; 2:10; 11:28, 29, 3:3). His authority was paramount in these instances, and most of the time it slips into the background, but always present. For emphasis, the special authority displayed by Jesus is contrasted with the ordinary authority of the scribes. Jesus’ words to that audience were anything but ordinary. As we see beyond this snapshot, authoritative words lead to the display of authority (e.g. healing).
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