Disciples Global Network

Jesus demonstrated his authority over Satan’s kingdom by driving satanic forces out of the children of Israel – Mark 1:21-28. Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness, rejecting all his temptations. The effect of that victory was demonstrated when the Messiah exercised authority over demonic forces in the village of Capernaum, near the Sea of Galilee. The first incident occurred in the local synagogue , a place where Jews would gather to study the Mosaic Law and pray.

Jesus is the ‘Son of Man’ foreseen by Daniel, the Messiah with absolute authority over the peoples and nations of the Earth . After defeating Satan in the wilderness, Jesus began proclaiming “ the Good News ” of the Kingdom in Galilee – “ The season is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel! ” The term “ Kingdom of God ” is a summary statement that links Christ’s mission to the glorious “ Son of Man ” figure described in the Book of Daniel .

Despite his miracle of calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Christ’s disciples still could not recognize who he was – Mark 4:35-41. After teaching the multitude, Jesus left the area to cross the Sea of Galilee, but a violent storm descended suddenly on the lake, frightening the disciples. Storms were common enough on that body of water, and several of the men with Jesus were fishermen familiar with the region’s weather. Their terror indicates this was an especially severe storm.

The gift of the Spirit is vital to the redemption of humanity and God’s covenant with His people, the Church of Jesus Christ . The New Testament links the gift of the Holy Spirit to the “ blessings of Abraham ,” the prom ise that God will bless the nations through the Patriarch. The outpouring of the Spirit on the Church is one of God’s promises to Israel, and the Scriptures confirm this.

Jesus is the anointed Son of God whose life and ministry are filled with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit . The activity of the Spirit dominates the life, words, and deeds of Christ. He is “ Jesus, the one called Christ ,” the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. The angel informed Joseph that Mary carried a child “ conceived of the Holy Spirit ,” indicating that something more than just a miraculous birth was about to unfold.

In Mark’s Gospel, no one recognizes who Jesus is except demons. Only in his death on a Roman cross was his identity understood by men . In Galilee, the disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, forgive sins, and even calm violent storms, supernatural acts performed with great authority. However, his words and deeds produced confusion over his identity, and therefore, the question was asked by many, “ Who is this man ?” Only at his execution did a human being finally recognize who he was.