What Jesus Did! 'The Authoritative Voice' — Mark 1:27-28

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Amazement gripped the audience [when Jesus cast the evil spirit out], and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!" The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.
— Mark 1:27-28 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus has authority. Not just rank so he can give orders. Not just power so he can obliterate his enemies. No, Jesus has true authority — rank, power, and integrity so that he can authentically subdue and destroy evil. This authority should not just be admired. This authority should not leave us spell-bound. No, this authority should lead us to watch Jesus and learn from his actions, because they are gracious and compassionate as well as mighty. This authority should make us listen to what he says because Jesus' words are not only true, but they are also life-giving and liberating. We should be excited. We should tell others about Jesus, and we should obey him and follow his example of sacrificial service.

Today's Prayer

My dear and precious Father, the one true and living God, please give me the courage to believe and obey the words of Jesus and to follow his example of sacrificial service. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Mark 10:42-45
  • Mark 3:31-35

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:27-28 NLT — "What sort of new teaching is this?" —— "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!"

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.

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