Mark 1:23-28 Who Is Jesus? The Power and Authority of the Holy One of God

Who Is Jesus? The Power and Authority of the Holy One of God

Mark 1:23–28

Introduction: Missing What’s Right in Front of Us

Have you ever seen a news clip where someone interviews a famous person without realizing who they’re talking to? Maybe a reporter questions a star athlete, unaware they’re speaking to the MVP. Or a character in a show overlooks something obvious happening right in front of them. These kinds of moments are awkward—and revealing.

In Mark 1:23–28, we witness something similar. Jesus performs a powerful miracle, yet the people watching don’t fully grasp who He is. Strangely, the only one who instantly recognizes Jesus is a demon. This moment challenges us to ask: Do we really know who Jesus is, or are we missing what’s right in front of us?

Background & Context: The Holy One of God Appears

While Jesus is teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, a man possessed by an unclean spirit interrupts, crying out:

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

Mark 1:24

This scene is striking. While the people around Jesus are still forming opinions, the unclean spirit immediately identifies Him. The title “Holy One of God” is deeply significant. In the Old Testament, the phrase “Holy One of Israel” was a divine title used for God Himself (Psalm 71:22; Isaiah 29:23). The demon understands what the people do not—Jesus is not just a wise teacher or miracle-worker. He is God in the flesh.

The demon’s question—“Have you come to destroy us?”—likely connects back to the first prophecy in Scripture. In Genesis 3:15, God promised that one day, a descendant of Eve would crush the serpent’s head. That day of judgment is coming, and the forces of evil know it. But they don’t fully understand God’s plan. Jesus didn’t come to destroy—not yet. First, He came to save (Luke 19:10).

Jesus Confronts the Unclean Spirit

Without hesitation, Jesus commands the spirit:

“Be silent, and come out of him!”

Mark 1:25

There is no ritual. No incantation. No appeal to a higher power. Jesus speaks, and the spirit obeys. The man convulses, the spirit leaves, and the synagogue is stunned. This is raw authority—the kind only God possesses.

Unlike the religious teachers of the time, who relied on traditions and quotations, Jesus speaks with divine power. His authority over demons isn’t borrowed—it’s His by nature.

This moment also reveals something important: knowing about Jesus is not the same as trusting Him. James reminds us that even demons believe in God—and tremble (James 2:19). They have accurate theology but no saving faith. They know who Jesus is but remain in rebellion. People, however, are offered something more: salvation through faith in the One the demons fear.

The Crowd's Amazement—and Confusion

After witnessing the exorcism, the people are amazed:

“What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

Mark 1:27

Their reaction is one of awe—but not full understanding. They call it “a new teaching,” yet Jesus isn’t offering something new. He’s fulfilling everything God had promised. He is the Word made flesh. He is the long-awaited Messiah.

But the crowd is more focused on what Jesus can do than who He actually is. His fame spreads quickly, driven by His miracles. Yet many will later walk away when His words challenge them. Signs may attract attention, but only true faith in Jesus saves.

Even among His followers, some were tempted to walk away. But Peter got it right when he said:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

John 6:68–69

Peter saw what the demon recognized—and what the crowd missed. Jesus is the Holy One of God, the only one who holds the words of life.

Conclusion: Do You Recognize Him?

Jesus is more than a teacher. More than a miracle worker. He is the Holy One of God—fully divine, fully human, and full of authority.

Even demons recognize who He is. But recognition is not the same as faith. Miracles may impress, but they don’t save. True faith is grounded in Jesus’ identity, mission, and work.

He came not only to silence demons but to save sinners. He lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and rose victoriously. The question is not just, “Do you know about Jesus?” but: Do you trust Him as your Savior and Lord?

Scripture References

  1. Psalm 71:22 – Refers to God as the “Holy One of Israel,” a divine title that connects to the unclean spirit’s recognition of Jesus as the “Holy One of God.”
  2. Isaiah 29:23 – Another use of the title “Holy One of Israel,” reinforcing that this is a title reserved for God Himself.
  3. Genesis 3:15 – The first prophecy of a Savior who would crush the serpent’s head; demons are aware that judgment is coming.
  4. Luke 19:10 – Jesus clarifies His mission: He came to seek and save the lost, not to bring destruction at His first coming.
  5. James 2:19 – Even demons believe that God is one and tremble, but their belief is not saving faith.
  6. John 6:68–69 – Peter affirms that Jesus is the Holy One of God and the only one with the words of eternal life.

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