The Essential Jesus (Part 8): The Beginning Ministry of JesusSample

With Authority!

PRAY: Despite the stresses and problems in my life right now, Lord, I'm eager to read your Word because I know you have something to say to me,

READ: Luke 4:31-44

REFLECT: As a result of my work with Prison Fellowship, I became friends with Aaron Johnson, a Baptist minister appointed as the Secretary of Correction in North Carolina. After taking the job, his first decision was to ban swearing and pornography in all state prisons. When his lieutenants questioned the practicality of what he proposed, Rev. Johnson responded with a preacher's conviction, "Do I have the authority to make this decision?" "Well, yes, you do, Mr. Secretary." "Fine! No more swearing or pornography in the prisons."

Today's passage shows Jesus going public with his ministry. No longer is he just a local "phenom"; he's starting to travel and attract crowds (vv. 31, 40-42). As he does, the distinctive feature evident to all is his authority. We see it in his preaching (v. 32) and his healing (v. 36). We've already learned that Jesus was saturated in Scripture and empowered by the Spirit. No wonder he had such a powerful ministry.

Significantly, the demon-possessed heckler met Jesus in the synagogue, not in the back alley (v. 33). Today, we sometimes assume that churches are for "the good people." If the church does its job, those disturbed or have serious problems will also be attracted to the fellowship. Instead of rejecting or avoiding them, we need to introduce them to Jesus; he's the one with authority to change their lives (v. 35).

Our passage gives us another clue about the source of Jesus' authority, "At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place" (v. 42). In the hustle and bustle of his growing popularity, Jesus made time to be alone with God in prayer. Even though he was the Son of God, he made it a priority to talk with his Father. And that's a source of strength that's still available to us today.

APPLY: Imagine what it would have been like to be in the crowd listening to Jesus. How would you have felt? What would you have done?

PRAY: Spend some time alone with God, asking him for his power and strength as you face the challenges in your world.