As One Who Had Authority

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “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!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21–28, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Beilly Graham, perhaps the greatest evangelist of the latter 20th and early 21st centuries was famous for declaring in his sermons, “the Bible says!” The point is that was as far as his authority went. But when Jesus taught, He was the authority. Because the words of the Law and prophets were actually His words. In His sermon on the mount, HIs famous declaration was “you have heard that it was said…But I tell you that…” (Matthew 5:27, NIV 1984). The “teachers of the law” had so watered-down God’s Word that Jesus had to bring correction. And the people recognized His authority to do so. Even the rebellious “evil spirits” submitted to His authority.

My Advice – We must not listen to those who water down or question God’s Word. They are acting without the authority of the author. And the tactic is as old as the beginning – “did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1, NIV 1984).

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing