Luke 4:31-37 (NIV)
31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34“Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
35“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
36All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
Reflection
Jesus public ministry doesn’t take much time to ramp up. The authority of his teaching is demonstrated in power immediately. After he teaches he goes on to confront a demon that has possessed a man. Notice that Jesus doesn’t need to appeal to any other higher authority or use an embellished formula in casting out the demon. This is not a show or a spectacle. He is direct and his authority and power is absolute. Jesus demonstrates that God’s kingdom is invading the kingdom of the world, and has come to defeat the forces of evil and set captives free.
Responding to the Transmission
We can read these words and even experience these things around us, but still just respond in amazement and remain a spectator. But do we know that this power that was at work is the same power that is at work in us today? Do we know that this authority is the same authority Jesus has today? Yes! Through and through we are meant to know that this is true. Let’s come with hearts surrendered and ask that we would know and trust in Jesus power and authority that has set us free to live the new life in Christ with surety and victory.
