Have you ever made someone’s acquaintance, heard someone speak, or read someone’s work, and realized that they were arguably the leading authority in their field? Most of us have likely met competent, even gifted, individuals that could speak and function in a particular specialty, but the likelihood that any of us have ever met the leading expert on a particular topic is remote indeed. Or is it?
In Luke 4, Jesus launches into His public ministry beginning in His hometown of Nazareth. Even though His messiahship is rejected in the synagogue of His youth, God’s divine purpose for His beloved Son is undeterred. As a matter of fact, Jesus’ teaching continued to catch the attention of all those who listened. The crowds marveled, were astonished, and amazed. And so, Jesus traveled down to Capernaum, a small, but bustling town, which became His primary ministry base for the foreseeable future.
The gospel writer notes repeatedly that Jesus’ teaching and actions were described as having authority. Unlike the scribes, who could only quote the rabbis who came before them, the teaching of Jesus was autobiographical, coming from the Old Testament Author Himself! Jesus’ teaching therefore had authority, because He had supreme authority (v. 32). Yet Jesus’ authority wasn’t simply an academic knowledge confined to the Scriptures. As a matter of fact, His word and teaching had power – it made things happen! His authority further spilled into the spiritual and physical realms.
Two individuals that were recipients of Jesus’ supreme authority were a demon possessed man (vv. 31-37) and Simon Peter’s ill mother-in-law (vv. 38-39). Both instances took place over the course of one Sabbath day. Both instances were addressed with a rebuke. Both instances provided instantaneous healing. And both instances, along with subsequent healing of the crowds, reveal that Jesus came to “teach the good news of the kingdom of God” (v. 43). Jesus’ sway over spirits and sickness give a glimpse into what awaits when He returns as victorious King (Rev 19:11-21). He will reign as glorious King and rule as perfect Judge. All enemies will ultimately be destroyed and the effects of sin will be no more (Rev 20:14-21:4).
However, while the ultimate realization of the kingdom is still to come, the King came to reign over our lives and rule in our hearts even today. We need this King, and we need Him now! His words are spirit and life (Jn 6:63). There is no one who can speak to our spiritual and physical needs like Jesus. He can address them with absolute confidence, understanding, and authority. As the Son of Man and Son of God, perfectly human and perfectly divine, He is the Leading Expert on what it means to be human. He knows how to meet every need that we have – both spiritual and physical. He is the personal Savior, who comes to us with grace, tenderness, and power (Lk 4:40-41).
May our prayer always be, “Let your kingdom come in my life! Your servant is all ears. Use me for your glory!”
Isaiah 35:1-6 (ESV) – “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”