On 30 occasions the Gospel writers report that the people were ‘amazed’ at Jesus. They were amazed at his teaching and they were amazed at the authority he had over evil spirits. That ‘amazing’ authority that Jesus used to fulfil his mission on earth, is the same authority that he gives to us to continue his mission on earth.
Jesus’ authority in the spirit realm
31 January 2021 • Pastor Michael Dutschke • Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Bible Passage: Mark 1:21-28
+ expand21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “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!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27 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 impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
New International Version (NIV) - for other versions see BibleGateway.com
