He Taught Them
Mark 1:21-28

Wishy-washy: lacking strength or boldness; ineffectual, weak.

A religion based on the traditions of humankind, even one that uses the Bible, will inevitably be wishy-washy. It will morph to suit the opinions and felt-needs of humankind, lacking consistency and clarity. It will be powerless to meet the actual needs of humankind.

First century Rabbis interpreted interpretations, touted tradition, and debated theological philosophies, all while demons roamed their synagogues. They were pretentious and powerless.

Jesus, on the other hand, not only taught with the authority of Gospel clarity, he kicked the demon out of the synagogue. He walked in not as another Rabbi to interpret the Scriptures, but as the One who wrote the Scriptures. And they all were astonished.

Jesus didn’t come to debate religion. He came to defeat the devil and deliver us from the power of sin and evil. And he did. Astonishing.