4th after the Epiphany

“A new teaching,” they cried. “One with authority!”

Why is authority not recognized in the scribes?

“Did the scribes talk the talk that looked nothing like the walk they walked”? is the question posed in the poetic telling of Mark 1:21–28 on page 141 of SeasonsFUSION, Advent, Christmas, Epiphany.

Perhaps the definition of authority as “the power to influence others” tells us as much about the scribes as it tells about Jesus.

“Jesus has the authority to help someone move from a state of uncleanness to a state of holiness” (Rabbi Adam Morris).  (Power to influence others!)

The power to influence others is also present in the community at First United in Vancouver who open their sanctuary as a dry and safe place to sleep 250 people each night and 100 during the day. “Those who are pushed to the periphery come to know, within this safe haven, they are of great worth” (Ruth Wright in “First United – a Sanctuary,” SeasonsFusion, Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, page 143).

• Where else do you see “power to influence others”? What contemporary story might you tell on January 29? What is the basis for this authority?
• What questions emerge for you as you read Mark 1:21­-28?
• What questions emerge for you as you consider people of different ages, stages, abilities, ethnicity, culture, orientation?
• What is the significance of the story for you, today?

>> Share your responses on the FUSION blog