What New Doctrine is This
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. (Mark 1:27, KJV)
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “doctrine”? For many, it conjures up images of theological debates, denominational statements, or religious traditions. It’s often reduced to a list of beliefs you’re supposed to sign off on—or worse, a reason why one group of Christians argues with another. But in Mark 1:27, the people who heard Jesus didn’t just think of doctrine as dry teachings—they were amazed. Why? Because this “doctrine” came with authority and power.
The Greek word translated as “doctrine” is didachē, meaning teaching or instruction. But what amazed the people wasn’t just what Jesus taught—it was how He taught and what happened when He did. Jesus didn’t teach like the scribes, quoting other rabbis or traditions. He spoke as One who possessed divine authority. Even more astonishing, His words carried such spiritual weight that unclean spirits obeyed Him instantly. That’s doctrine with power. That’s instruction backed by heavenly authority.
Doctrine, in the life of Jesus, was never abstract. It wasn’t merely a set of concepts to memorize. It was revelation that brought transformation. When He taught, things happened—demons fled, sicknesses vanished, hearts changed. What made it “new” to them was not that Jesus introduced strange ideas—they had heard many teachings before. What was new was that His teaching did something. It confronted darkness. It healed. It liberated. It didn’t just inform—it transformed.
If we ever wonder what true doctrine looks like, we need only look at Jesus. His words didn’t just educate the mind—they arrested the soul and delivered the oppressed. This is the kind of doctrine we need today. Not lifeless creeds, but living truth that sets people free. The question is: do we want doctrine that informs or doctrine that transforms?
Meditate
Ask yourself: Do I treat doctrine as dry theology, or as truth that brings life and liberty? What kind of doctrine am I feeding on?
Act on the Word
Re-evaluate how you approach biblical teachings. Don’t settle for information alone—seek the kind of truth that carries Jesus’ authority and presence. Make it your prayer that every word you receive from God becomes alive in you, transforming not only your thoughts but your daily walk.
Pray
Lord, teach me with Your authority. Let Your doctrine in my life be more than words—make it power, presence, and transformation.
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