The authority of Jesus
Mark 1:21-28
Our Gospel reading from Sunday (Feb. 1) reveals to us how Jesus teaches with authority like those in the synagogue had never seen. “I shall put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak them all that I command him” (Deut 18:18). He teaches with divine authority. It also reveals to us the authority Jesus has over demons: “Even the demons believe – and shudder!” (James 2:19). Speaking and acting in the authority He possesses; the authority of God, He sets things right. He speaks the truth and creates faith. He castes a demon out, silencing its words and frees a man from such evil oppression. Jesus speaks and immediately things that have gone wrong are redirected into the right. Jesus still speaks to you today where He is constantly correcting what has gone wrong and redirecting, healing, and casting out evil. This He does in His Word preached and His Sacraments administered for the forgiveness of sins.