As I study Jesus’ words in the Bible and apply them to my life, I often find myself amazed. I can only imagine the amazement in the hearts of those who heard Jesus’ words as they were spoken from his very mouth! Maybe that’s why I am amazed when I read them, because the Scriptures are the Living Word of God…indeed, they are Jesus talking personally right here, right now to me! Interestingly enough, it was not just the crowds of people, His followers and disciples that were amazed, it was often those who sought to “trip him up”, the religious authorities and those who hardly knew Him. Why, because His words speak a truth that transcends all understanding.
Mark 1:21-22 (TNIV)
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
I did a short word study just on the word amazed and was amazed at what I found. You can read it here. Today I wanted to talk about WHY they were amazed. They were amazed because Jesus spoke with a truth and an authority that transcended all understanding! Jesus authority extends to every area of our spiritual life and concern!
Jesus has authority in His teaching:
Mark 1:22 (TNIV)
The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.Mark 1:27 (TNIV)
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching–and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”
Jesus has authority over demons and those powers that seek to tempt us from doing the right thing:
Mark 1:23-26 (TNIV)
23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.Mark 5:2 and 6-9 (TNIV)
2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him.6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”
Jesus has the authority to forgive our past, to forgive our sins:
Mark 2:10-11 (TNIV)
10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
My question is……have you given Jesus authority over your life? When you do…..you will BE AMAZED!