Scripture

The people were amazed at his teaching for he taught with real authority – quite unlike the teachers of the religious law.

Observation

Jesus and his disciples go to Capernaum. On the Sabbath, Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach, People are amazed at his teaching for he has authority, unlike the teachers of religious law.

A demonised man starts shouting. “Why are you bothering us? Have you come to destroy us?” he shouts.

Jesus orders the demon out of the man. The spirit comes out immediately. This amazes the people even more, because Jesus has authority even over evil spirits.

Application

The teachers of religious law had very little authority in their teaching. They often just resorted to commenting on other, more famous, teachers. But they had nothing new to add of themselves.

The Spirit of God is alive and active. He is always showing us new truths from His Word. We can never fully exhaust the depths of God or of His holy Scriptures.

Jesus cut through the religious propaganda. He is the real truth, the holy Son of God. For that reason, every word he speaks carries the authority of God.

There is no greater authority.

Listening

Lord. What do you want to say to me about this passage?

Keith, the real sign of my authority was the demonised man who screamed at my presence. Satan knows me, as do his evil minions. They tremble at my presence.

When I save a person, their demon flee. As my Spirit invades their spirit, there is no room for evil spirits.

Satan trembles whenever the gospel is preached under my authority. He shrieks when a person surrenders their life to me. He knows his time of mischief making is coming to an end and he resists with all his might.

His might is nothing compared to my authority and the power of my kingdom.