Mark 1:21-28 "The Authority of Christ"

Archeologists have discovered where they believe Capernaum was. This is the location we will read of in our text today. The remains of a synagogue have been found there which have a carving in the doorway of a bowl of mana and cluster of grapes.[1] Mana of course was the bread of heaven sent down by God to feed the children of Israel as they wandered through the wilderness, and of course we know that grapes are used to make wine. Both bread and wine are essential to us as Christians as these are the elements of the Lord’s table. Now, when I find these kinds of things, I can’t help but wonder, “Was this the very synagogue where Jesus preached as we find here in our text?” There is no way for us to know for sure, but it is interesting to me. I try to imagine what it would be like to hear our Lord’s voice as He proclaims that He is the Bread of Life, as my eyes wander up to that doorway. [1] Burn, John Henry. The Preacher's Complete Homiletic Commentary on the Gospel According to St. Mark. Vol. 22. 31 vols. Ann Arbor, MI: Baker Books, No Date, 27-28. .