More than Words
Opening Prayer
Jesus, You have given all for me. Open my eyes to the wonder of Your love and help me give all for You.
Read LUKE 4:31-37
[31] Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. [32] They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. [33] In 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. [36] All 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!” [37] And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How was Jesus' authority demonstrated?Jesus was a popular speaker at the synagogue. People enjoyed listening to him, and he could put spiritual truths in a way that was easy for his listeners to understand. But that in itself was not unique. The people had probably heard other good speakers in the past. What amazed them was not so much the things he said, as the authority with which he said them (32).Luke offers us an example of this authority by telling us how easily Jesus was able to cast out an evil spirit. He simply speaks a word. The demon has to obey because it knows who Jesus is, that he is “the Holy One of God” (34). It is because of who he is that Jesus’ words carry such authority. Today there are those who still claim that Jesus was only a good teacher. Luke does not leave that option open to us. Jesus’ words have authority because they are able to transform lives, not because they sound nice. Whether we face demon possession, sickness, besetting sins, broken relationships, or other seemingly insurmountable problems, the words of Jesus carry the authority to bring the change we need. And that is because of who he is, not because of anything we might do.
Apply
What are the miracles that you or those around you need today? Ask Jesus to speak his words of authority.
Closing prayer
Lord, give me wisdom and insight to bring Your word of life to those I encounter today.
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