The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.
Jesus’ authority is greater than Satan's authority. People are amazed at Jesus’ teaching with authority and His power over Satan. A demon possessed man interrupting their meeting with loud screaming. "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."
This is the second recorded announcement of Jesus’ identity? The first was at the baptism of Jesus, now the spiritual world announced Jesus’ presence through a demon possessed man. People up to this time saw Him as being an outstanding and knowledgeable teacher, but now they see spiritual, evil demonic forces recognizing Jesus and identifying Him before people. They are fearful of their judgement.
These demons were exposed by the power of the Word of God as spoken by Christ. They immediately feared and responded in confrontation with Jesus. There were things that had to be accomplished first before Jesus’s identification was revealed. He commanded, "Be quiet, shut up, I command you to keep silent. Come out of him." The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
was not afraid. He knew who was in command. Demonic presence would certainly be more powerful than you and I would be, but not Jesus. The news spread - “Jesus has authority over physical sickness, mental anguish and spiritual oppression. the Spirit world.” The authority Jesus had was not from the religious leaders of His time, but from God Himself.
He was not accepted and loved for who He was, only for what He could do for them (which is the question that is raised for us all). When Jesus came into the world, most people ignored the authority of Christ over their personal lives. They wanted Jesus to heal their outside, without giving their hearts to Him.
When Christ preached to repent from sin, believe in God, and follow Him, He showed them why they should follow Him by His authoritative word and power. Today many come to Christ to get, not to give. We like to call Him Lord but treat Him as our servant. His healings were so they might know Him and follow Him, but He had every right of Lordship. Most don't do that.
Someday…” at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10,11
Application: We have to die to our self-authority and let Christ have complete authority in our lives. Paul said when he gave up everything he was and had to the Lord, it was the most liberating experience of his life.
Prayer: Lord, I want to know You and be known by You.
