Teaching with Authority

Today’s Scripture:  And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:21-28

Reflection: A good father takes on the responsibility of teaching his children the etiquettes of life. He teaches the child the first lessons of survival and in a way becomes a model for his child to emulate.

Likewise, a good child when he has grown up and come of age will always seek a good advice from his father provided he is accessible and has proved himself.

We require instructions and advices to grow and learn, thus we have schools to teach us about the essence of life and survival.

Jesus the greatest teacher takes every opportunity to teach us and thus enters the Synagogue on the Sabbath to teach. We fail to see that when Jesus begins to speak, the man with the unclean spirit sees the power in his teaching to destroy them. 

If you are assailed and experience oppression, then humbly allow his word to speak to you with all authority and power and he will set you free.

Prayer: Lord, speak your word to my weaknesses and so that I may grow more and more in you.

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