Read Luke 4: 31-37 in your bible
This is a relatively short passage today, but really packs a wallop! Right now I bet his hometown crowd is second guessing their actions of giving him the run out of town (read yesterdays study). Jesus once again confirms his knowledge in the teachings. Not only that, but how he teaches- with authority! What does this mean? He taught with authority? I would like to believe that he taught with confidence. And why not? He’s a man filled with the Spirit and is the Son of God, not just a carpenter that the Nazarenes thought.
So, Jesus is speaking with authority when all of a sudden a man comes in from outside also filled with “many” spirits as well. Filled with fear and hatred toward Jesus, it appears that he wants to expose to those around him who Jesus really was (the King of Jews). So how does Jesus respond? does he respond with fear? No, instead he controls the situation with “authority” and commands the spirits to be quiet and come out of the man. Imagine being a spectator of this event? The bible says they were amazed, I think that’s an understatement to be honest. Talk about establishing yourself as true leader. I think he would have my attention at that point.
Not only is Jesus teaching people and making the evil spirit world shake in their boots, but he does this in a major city where travelers from all over travel to and from. This event creates a ripple effect throughout the roman empire and other parts of the world about a man named Jesus.
So there are three things to learn about Jesus in this brief passage.
- He speaks with authority and confidence
- He is not afraid of those who challenge him regardless if it’s from the natural or supernatural world
- He does this in a town that creates a ripple effect throughout the region and perhaps the world.
My Challenge
Do we have the confidence when we share who Jesus is to others? How do you react when someone attacks your arguments for Christ in any given situation? Sometimes I think I don’t do well in this department and part of the reason is because I am not as knowledgeable in the bible as I should be. We all know that the bible is the most accurate and powerful book on this planet. People from all walks of life have tried to devalue the bible time and time again only to fail. If we can allow ourselves more time to read and study God’s word, we too can be empowered to speak with people with the same authority that Christ did in Capernaum. That is my challenge and perhaps can be yours too. Learn the word and then spread it with authority.
What does this passage say to you?
This blog is only as good as the comments that are shared. I claim that I am not a pastor by any measure, rather someone who wants to learn and share the bible with others (I’m more like the Tim Taylor of the bible for those who are “Home Improvement fans.. you have been warned). What will make this study strong are the “constructive” comments others share each day as they read this. What the bible says to me may be different to you depending on your journey. So I encourage you to share how this passage speaks to you.
