January 28, 2024  

Today's Reading: Mark 1:21-28

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah. 6:1-7:14; Romans 16:17-27

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried 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 1:23-24)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The man possessed by an unclean spirit had an interesting greeting for Jesus. “What have you to do with us?” You might greet people like that sometimes too. When someone comes who seems to be interfering in your plans, you might say, “What are you doing here?” The unclean spirit wants to know why Jesus is interfering in this synagogue on this day. Apparently, the unclean spirit thought He could do whatever he wanted at the synagogue, but Jesus interrupted his plans.  

So, what does Jesus have to do with unclean spirits? He throws them out! He interrupts their plans!  Jesus sets the rules, and He casts out unclean spirits. Jesus comes to set this possessed man free with His power and authority. That’s a shocking action for the people in that synagogue. Not everyone works with that kind of authority. Jesus has unique, powerful authority.

But the question of “What have you to do with us?” isn’t just the question of a possessed man. It’s our question, too. What does Jesus have to do with us, who gather and confess our sins?  We admit that we are poor, miserable sinners. We deserve God’s wrath and punishment for our sin. When Jesus draws near to us, we should be very afraid!  The One with Divine authority has every right to judge us for our sinfulness. But Jesus doesn’t come to bring His judgment against us.  Instead, He sets us free from sin and death and the power of the devil.  He comes with His grace and His forgiveness.

This work of Jesus interrupts our sinful lives and transforms us into His saints. He washes us clean in the water of Holy Baptism, He speaks our forgiveness in the words of Holy Absolution, He instructs us in the Holy Scriptures, and He feeds us His own body and blood in Holy Communion. He brings holiness to us.  He Himself is the source of that holiness and He is the One who wants everything to do with us because of His great love. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.