What Jesus Did! 'With Authority!' — Luke 4:31-32

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

[After the attempt in Nazareth to kill him,] Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.
— Luke 4:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

There are at least three types of authority that people may have:
  1. Some folks have authority by virtue of a position to which they've been appointed. Some use their position and authority wisely, while others misuse them to boss others around.
  2. Some folks have authority because of who they are and how they conduct themselves.
  3. Finally, some folks speak with authenticity and clarity that give them authority.

Jesus had all three types of authority - he was sent by God, lived with integrity, and taught God's truth. That's why he stood out. That's also why he was viewed as dangerous by his opponents. The point for us, however, is that we need to listen to what Jesus says! Jesus came and gave us God's truth for our lives. Will we listen and follow him?

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous God, thank you for speaking to me so clearly through Jesus. His life and his words are so powerful. Open my mind and heart as I seek to understand and apply his words and his example to my life. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Moving Beyond a Little Religious Excitement
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower, My half-brother James warned that simply believing in the existence of God was nothing special — even the demons believe in God...."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 4:31-32 NLT — There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, March 1, 2023

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Pitching My Tent'
"Dear Disciple, I love the way My beloved disciple you know as John describes My coming to earth: "The Voice took on flesh and became human and chose...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Not to Us!' (Ps. 115:1)
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 10:6
"Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Philippians 2:5, 7-8
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who... made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!