Deuteronomy 18:15–20 and Mark 1:21–28
In comparing two of this week’s readings, we notice something about the character of God, a character that — if emulated by the church — will lead to abolition.
In Mark, 1:21-28, the power and authority of Jesus is put on full display. This authority was obvious to the synagogue’s attendees based on his teaching alone, Mark notes that “he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Again, Jesus as God’s prophet is put on full display as he heals one who is demon possessed.
In this interaction we can see what God meant when, in Deuteronomy, he told the Israelites that he would raise up a prophet from their own people. God’s promise, that prophets would come and that some would evidently have his authority while others — either those who presumed to speak in his name or those who spoke in other’s name — would die.
Turning back to Mark, we see that the demon also recognizes Christ as God’s prophet. “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” Jesus then rebukes the demon and casts him out of the person. But it’s the demon’s phrase before this that should catch our eye and juxtapose itself with God in Deuteronomy.
“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?”
The demon accuses God of being a destroyer. But turn to Deuteronomy,
“Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable.”
Here, in the Old Testament where anti-Semitism has driven Christians to often accuse God of being violent and destructve, God declares that accountability will be had. This is in contrast with destruction. Accountability does not destroy individuals, it instead restores and elevates them. This is a vision of abolition. Punishment and carceral systems can not fulfill the vision of God, which is a vision of accountability.
Lastly, God’s warning that those who do not heed the prophet will be held accountable is a restraint on those of us who would feel a white-hot rage at those systems and those who perpetuate them. Don’t forget that Godself will be holding them — and us — accountable. When we feel a desire for vengeance and want to destroy those who advance such inequalities, God wants to bring them to account and build a better world for all.
Mitchell Atencio (he/him/his) is a discalced writer and photographer based in Arizona.