Having walked out of what
happened at Nazareth, Jesus now came to Capernaum, a little town on the shore
at the upper northwest of the Sea of Galilee. He was in that town in the Synagogue
on a Sabbath. Here His power and authority was demonstrated in His teachings as
well as in a case of exorcism.
In verses 31-32, we are
told that the people were amazed by His authoritative teaching and message.
That congregation at the Synagogue must have made up of ordinary humble folks
such as fishermen, craftsmen, merchants and etc. As they participated in the program,
they heard with eagerness the sermon Jesus gave, and were struck with amazement
at the authority that came with His teaching. In the same way, if the Word of
God is to make impact today, it must be delivered with authority. This can only
come with a careful exegesis of the Word, to uncover the clear unadulterated meaning
God intents for us, His people.
In the midst of Jesus’ teaching that day,
He was confronted with a challenge. Among the congregation, there was a man who
was possessed by demons. Those wicked forces, assigned to control that person, immediately
recognized Jesus and His authority. They acknowledged Him as the Holy One of God.
Although they knew that He had come to bring an end to their diabolical work,
they didn’t know the timing. So through the man, the demons yelled out, “Let us alone! What business do we have with
each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to
destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” They were fully aware that the coming of
Jesus spelt their end, for Jesus has come to set the captives free. Whenever darkness
is confronted by the true light of God, it had to bow out. Jesus rebuked the
spirits, and commanded them to be quiet and to come out of that man. The demons
immediately threw the man down and obediently left without injuring him. The man
must have just stood up, delivered and glad. The people who saw everything that
had happened were left in wonderment. As a result of what happened, the people began
enquiring of each other asking, “What
is this message?
For with authority
and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” They began
to talk and spread about this Jesus who preached with authority, that even
demons had to bow. So much so that the news of this amazing liberating truth
went everywhere surrounding that district.
The Lord still has the power and authority
to free everyone. There is nothing that the devil had designed that Christ
cannot break its hold over us. And no matter how difficult our struggles may
seem, the key is in knowing who Christ is, and then to bow to His Lordship and embrace
His liberating truth. In Him we know the truth and the truth will set us free. And
for him whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
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