On Earth as in Heaven

Who is this man? (8.17, 27, cf. Isa. 53.4).

• He has the power and authority to heal (8.1-13).

• He has authority over the forces of nature (8.23-27).

• He has authority over spiritual powers (8.16, 28-24).

• He has the authority to forgive sins (9.1-7).

Application

• Jesus does things that God alone has the authority or power to do.
• Jesus not only proclaims the Kingdom of God, he is the one through whom God’s rule is breaking into our world (9.35).

Discussion Questions: 

• In these chapters Jesus is recognized as someone with great authority. How would you explain the difference between power and authority? What does it mean that Jesus has both? 
• How do Jesus’ actions in these chapters fit together with his message that the Kingdom of God has drawn near? 
• The scribes and Pharisees are already offended by what Jesus is doing. Why? What do they misunderstand about Jesus and his mission?