Context
Authority
- Reports on democratic freedoms in each country around the world has shown, among other things, a decline in how ‘democratic’ the US is objectively considered to be.
- US pushes forward with decision to move embassy in Israel.
- UKIP leader's authority is challenged from within his own party, after a vote of no confidence by his national executive committee, but he says he will not resign.
- Theresa May is under pressure to deliver a Brexit deal that both her party and the EU will accept, at a time when many are questioning whether she has the authority to remain Prime Minister until the end of that process.
- Church/Pope’s authority is in question following treatment of those alleging sexual abuse.
Good versus Evil
- Excitement is growing about the release of the latest good v. evil superhero film from the Marvel Comics universe, Black Panther.
Reflection
The response to Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue – ‘a new teaching, and with authority!’ – makes us consider where true authority comes from. The UKIP leader, Henry Bolton lost a vote of no confidence from his party members this week, but remains his party’s leader. Theresa May’s position as Prime Minister is under threat as people question whether she has the authority needed to accomplish all she has promised in the Brexit negotiations. Both of these people have authority that comes from reaching a set position in an organization or society, but their travails show that real authority requires so much more. Jesus speaks out of absolute confidence in who he is, what he has been sent to do by his heavenly Father, and his ability to make it happen. When an unclean spirit questions him and tries to throw him off course, Jesus is able immediately to silence the spirit and command it to leave – which it does. Jesus’ authority is shown by the way in which his actions back up his words. His confidence is not shaken by being confronted or by the Spirit potentially revealing who he is to those around him. Instead, Jesus simply demonstrates the truth of his teaching by using his authority as one sent by the Father to release the man from the evil spirit.
On the same theme, a new report on democracy in the world is being used to question whether the United States of America has the same authority to assert its policies around the world as it used to. This has been seen most sharply in the ongoing discussions worldwide around the moving of the US embassy to Israel.
The questions facing Pope Francis, about how the church responded to allegations of sexual abuse in South America, show how authority can be undermined when words and actions are not aligned. We cannot be perfect, but the world expects the church to live out God’s standards and will not listen to our teaching if it doesn’t believe it is backed up by our actions.
The theme of ‘good versus evil’ is examined in many films each year but especially in recent times through superhero movies. This week, publicity has been ramped up for the new film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where new villains never fail to appear, threatening civilisation / existence / the ‘American Way’, so that each superhero can have their fifteen minutes in the spotlight. Cynicism aside, there is something in our Gospel story that shows how evil is provoked by the presence of something or someone good. Jesus is only teaching at the beginning of the story, but the unclean spirit cannot help but pick a fight with him. If we stand up for truth and justice, we will find ourselves opposed as Jesus was. Let us pray that we can stand against that opposition with his confidence in the power of our heavenly Father.
Prayer
You could use this prayer as part of your intercessions.
Lord Jesus, you came as Messiah and Saviour with all the authority of your Father in Heaven, yet you spoke only love, healing and freedom. Give us grace to follow your example, and speak with confidence your words of love and life to the world.
Amen.
Alternatively, take a minute of silence to pray, asking God to bring to mind those people we know who need a loving or encouraging word this coming week. Pray for the opportunity and the courage to speak it to them.
Questions
- Can you think of an example of someone whose actions have undermined their words? What was the effect on their impact and legacy?
- Whose teaching do you listen to most closely? What makes one person a better teacher than another? Are there lessons for us as we seek to teach / support / encourage others in our work or home life?
- Do we feel less confident to speak Jesus’ words today knowing the opposition that will stand against us if we do? What are the situations in your community where Christians need to speak out clearly?
All-age activity
Thinking about the effect of Jesus’ words where he freed the man instead of condemning him as unclean, invite people to look around the church and think of encouraging things you could say to the people sitting around you. After a minute of prayer/reflection, encourage people to move from their seats and say something positive to as many people as possible. Invite them to make a commitment to doing the same with other people they meet, each day this week.
Young people
- Jesus’ words gave a man healing and freedom. Today, especially through social media, people’s words are most often used to criticise and tear others down. What social media platforms do you use? Have you encountered trolling on them? How can you use your words on those platforms to build up others with love and encouragement. Make a plan to do that each day this week.
- Think of an occasion when you should stand up for someone or something else. Would there be negative consequences for you? Could you do it anyway?
Steve Taylor is joint-vicar of St James Alperton (CofE) church, near Wembley. He shares the job with his wife, Ali, and shares his house with their two daughters, two cats, a hamster and numerous fish.
Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.