7. The Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 1:21-28)

Jesus' ministry in Galilee began with a dramatic confrontation between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. In this short narrative, Mark sets forth one of the fundamental themes that will recur throughout his account. Jesus appears as a 'stronger man,' who will bind the 'strong man' who has held this world in his grip. Brooking no compromise, Jesus orders the demon out, and in this preliminary moment, sets in motion the story that will culminate when he commands the prince of this world to depart.