Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

Think about who has authority in your life. Rank the following list from 1 to 11, with 1 being the most authority and 11 being the least. Discuss with a partner or in a group why you ranked each item as you did.

＿ Parents or guardians
＿ Teachers or professors
＿ Employers or supervisors
＿ Religious or spiritual leaders
＿ Friends or peers
＿ Coaches or mentors
＿ Doctors or healthcare providers
＿ Police or law enforcement officers
＿ Military officers
＿ Civil leaders (e.g., mayor, governor)
＿ Others (specify)

How do people become seen as leaders or in charge? Is it because of their role, their skills, or how they earn trust over time?

What makes someone trustworthy and respected? Is it more about their job title, what they can do, or how they treat others consistently?

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Today’s Scripture passage: MARK 1:21-28

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.

Download PDF of Mark 1:21-28

Some people think that science proves that the stories in the Bible about supernatural events aren't true because ancient people didn't understand science well. However, Jesus talked about demons and spoke to unclean spirits as real agents of the enemy. Also, the demons/spirits possessed a supernatural knowledge, recognizing His power and authority. For example, demons recognized and admitted that Jesus had power by saying, "Are you here to destroy us?” and “I know that you are the Holy One of God." This shows there's spiritual activity beyond human explanations.

Have you ever felt demoniac or spiritual forces? When we are aware of evil forces, we sense:

• Uncertainty—this is an unpredictable, uncommon, and unnatural event.
• Powerlessness—when you feel out of control and without expertise to solve the problem. 
• Danger—when you sense evil instead good, you experience insecurity. 

Notice how Jesus is the only one who knows what to do. But in the book Acts, those who know Christ and were living as disciples knew what to do as well: Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:16-18; Acts 19:11-20.

You might think that authority comes from things like age, education, or wealth. But Jesus shows His authority through His actions and how He helps people. You can get to know Jesus and live in the presence of someone who has ultimate authority today.