Connecting Point: Authority & Power

The two themes “Authority & Power” are seemingly ageless throughout history. We certainly are accustomed to governing bodies today

overplaying or seeking to hold authority and power. George Orwell said, “We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of

relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end.”

In the 1st century, this was true as the Roman occupation of Israel put a bad taste in the mouths of the Jewish people. The God-fearing and God-honoring Jews became blinded by their animosity toward others. Those who were shown God’s love and mercy were merciless and developed a hard heart. War is ugly and if we are honest as Americans, we could easily follow the same logic if our nation was overrun by some oppressors. Enter Jesus Christ, he came with a message, “My kingdom is not of this world.” What does that mean and why is that important today?

Luke records various accounts of Jesus teaching and healing people. Even though Jesus was rejected by many in his hometown, that was not the case in other parts of the region. “Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath, he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching because his words had authority. In the

synagogue, there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, ‘Go away! 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!’ Jesus said sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What words these are! With authority and power, gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!’ And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area,” (Luke 4:31-37).

You see, Jesus didn’t come to overthrow the current occupying force, he came to proclaim that there is more to this life than governmental

authority and power. Sin is our greatest enemy, and it can destroy our body and spirit. However, Jesus came to break the grip of sin and teach us how to flourish in this life. The following are three points from the text:

ONE: Jesus was recognized even by demons. Keep the context in mind, Jesus just left Nazareth where Jewish synagogue leaders nearly killed him, but he stood his ground and miraculously walked through that crowd. They saw him as a carpenter’s son, not the Messiah. Shortly after in Capernaum, Jesus encounters a demon possessed and, in a quite frightening scene, brings freedom to that man by removing the demon.

TWO: Jesus healed people in both public and private places. After teaching in the synagogue Jesus made a house call to Simon’s home, his mother-in-law was very sick, and she was healed (vs. 38-39). By the end of that day, many who were sick came to Jesus, he laid hands on them, and they were healed.

THREE: Jesus practiced solitude and rest (vs. 42). Ministry to people can be both powerful and impactful, even the Messiah needed some rest.

All of this was a true demonstration of power and authority. One can see why crowds were drawn to Jesus. Jesus has still the same power and authority today, we can bring any need to him.