28.01.24

This event tells us something important about Jesus. He has authority over all things, even
the forces that try to harm us. It's like Jesus is saying, ​

​Opening Prayers
Love comes here, as I turn aside to meet with you, Lord God.
Love transforms my heart,
Love moves me into action.
Lord Jesus, Spirit of love,
Show me how to love.

Hush. Be still. Listen.

Do you hear them?
The sounds of the prophets, sharing wisdom
through the voices of the children, the downtrodden,
the faithful, the thunder of the crowd,
whispering to you, today.

Hush. Be still. Listen.
​
Can you feel it?
The drums of praise, echoing in this space.
The ensemble has gathered to bring worship,
like the psalmist of old,
into this space, here and today.

Hush. Be still. Listen.
​
Can you see it?
The burdens I have brought here,
the anxiety of this past week,
the rising joy needing to be shared,
the Spirit of God in this place?
​
Hush. Be still. Listen.
This house and community welcome you.
Amen.

​StF.18 Be still and know that I am God

Reading: Mark 1:21-28 New International Version Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began
to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as
the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit
cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--
the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out
of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority!
He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the
whole region of Galilee.

615 STF – Let love be real, in giving and receiving

Reflections on the reading
Today, the New Testament reading from Mark 1:21-28 tells a story from the Bible that
reminds us that Jesus had power and authority. Jesus was and is a teacher who could
control anything, yet cared for each individual and demonstrated his love through his
actions. In the Gospel of Mark, we see him heal someone from an evil spirit.
Here is a little bit of that gospel reading:
​‘And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the
synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them
as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.’
Jesus began his earthly ministry by teaching people in the area where he was living and
working. Some were sceptical about who he was, but many people noticed how he spoke
like someone who knew what he was talking about. He had authority when he taught and
instructed people.
It wasn't just knowledge; it was a power that made people sit up and take notice. And when
confronted with an impure spirit, Jesus didn't negotiate or plead; he commanded the spirit
to leave, and it had to obey.
This event tells us something important about Jesus. He has authority over all things, even
the forces that try to harm us. It's like Jesus is saying, "I am in control, and nothing can
stand against my power."
Even with these amazing stories from the Bible that help to show us who Jesus is, this
passage contains a warning not to be too confident in our own ability to discern what God is
saying.
It is hard to ignore the fact the unclean spirit knew of Jesus’ identity when the disciples and
those in the synagogue did not. Those who were most committed to Jesus’ teachings failed
to recognise the most important thing about him. It was an unclean spirit, something most in
need of transformation, that knew the truth. It is a reminder, if one is needed, that
theological authority does not reside solely in the church.
Take some time today, or this week, to reflect on these questions and find someone you
can trust to discuss them with:
- Where does authority come from? For Jesus, and in your life?
- Why does it matter where Jesus’ authority comes from?
- What does it take for you to recognise someone’s authority?
- What does it look like to treat Jesus as our primary authority?
- Where might we find and encounter important truth outside of the church?
So, as you rise from this space today, may you be encouraged by the authority of Jesus.
Whatever challenges you are facing this week, may you remember that he is in control, and
his power and love are with us now and wherever we go.

​Brother, sister, let me serve you (StF 611)

prayer
Heavenly Father,
I thank you that you sent your Son to be your representative on earth, carrying all the same
authority as you. Thank you that in the Bible we have the means by which to hear and
respond to your authority. Help us to use the access we have to your word, to draw near
and listen to your authoritative voice to us.
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer.
Today, I pray for those who feel overburdened and trapped by something out of their
control, those who have worries so large they feel insurmountable. Lord, in your power,
rebuke that which is not of you, and make quiet the voices within me that keep me from my
own full potential.
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer.
Today, I am praying to say sorry for the times that I am arrogant and foolish enough to think
I have all the answers. Help me to recognise the wisdom and truth that I can find when I
venture out into the world to meet with your people, O God.
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer.
In the stillness, I pray for the situations in the world and this community where I want your
love and peace to reign.
Leave a moment of silence
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer. Amen.

The lords prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

463 STF – Deep in the shadows of the past -

Blessing
Go in peace – seek the opportunities to love. Go in joy and be one of the people who bring
hope. Travel well in the world, and be transformed by the Spirit within you. Amen.

28th January 2024 The Vine at Home is compiled and produced by twelvebaskets