Jesus Preaching with Astonishing Authority | Luke 4: 31-41

It is really easy to get tripped up when you hear the word "authority". Luke 4 says that Jesus teaches with authority and it causes the people to be astonished - a word that means having their breath taken away. The question that should naturally follow then is what does teaching with authority mean? The answer to this question is really important..and not what many expect. Jesus expressing His authority is nothing like what you have experienced in life. He is not like your boss at work, the President, or one of the ancient Kings of Europe. He has all the authority possible, all things were made for and by Him, but He leads like He tells us to lead. Real Christian leadership is not like the Gentiles version, lording it over people, but is humble, gentle, kind, and loving. It is sacrificial and for the benefit of the led. Jesus is totally in charge and had every right to stay on His throne and be worshipped. Instead, He made Himself a servant and showed His power through healing and serving. Luke 4:31-41 Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. 33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, [n]“Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.