Daily Devotional | With Authority and Power

In today’s social media obsessed world, “viral” videos attract millions of viewers in a short time. If smart phones were available during Jesus’ time, videos of His miracles would have certainly gone viral. After the temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13), Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee. He traveled to Capernaum, which became a ministry base. The city, on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, was a major Jewish trade center of fishing, as well as agriculture.

One Sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue and taught the people with authority until a demon- possessed man disrupted the gathering. Luke mentions demons over 20 times as a major opponent to Jesus’ ministry. In this instance, Jesus’ presence made the demons nervous. Screaming loudly, they challenged Him, while also confessing His identity—at least in part. They called Him “the Holy One of God” (v. 34). Jesus rebuked the demons, and immediately they left the man.

The next healing was less dramatic, but more personal. At Simon Peter’s home, his mother-in- law was sick with fever. There Jesus showed His authority not only over demons but also over disease. He rebuked the fever, and it left the woman immediately. She rose and served them, showing her restoration and gratitude (v. 39). Luke tells us that Jesus healed even more sickness and cast out more demons. The authority of Jesus was unparalleled and could not be stopped.

At daybreak, Jesus withdrew to pray privately, but still the people followed Him. His miraculous works were drawing increasing attention. When they begged Him to stay in Capernaum, He restated His mission, “to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” to the people of other towns.

>> Reading about the miracles performed by Jesus is a much-needed reminder that no problem you face is too big for Him. Bring your worries to Jesus today.