Quick Summary:

From Moses we learn the marks of a true prophet. Those (five) marks form the backdrop when we step into the Capernaum synagogue with Jesus.

And the people are astounded because he speaks with a vitality and authority that they haven’t experienced in generations—since before their tradition lost its power to transform.

When institutional religion becomes an accepted and acceptable part of the social and cultural fabric it becomes domesticated.

“The Prince of Darkness,” writes Walter Brueggemann, “tries frantically to keep the world closed so that we can be administered.”

But then Jesus steps into the room. His voice lifts God’s Word out of the dustbin, and the air starts to vibrate, and jaws start to drop. And then Jesus goes into his version of BEAST MODE.