When Jesus stood up to Speak

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).

Introduction

From world governments to the man on the street, everyone is striving to gain power and authority. Every dictator has sought after that ultimate power to rule over mankind. We saw it in Nebuchadnezzar, Caesar, and Hitler, and one day will be manifest for the final time in the Antichrist. No man, regardless of his humility or humanitarianism, can be trusted with ultimate power and authority. "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men" (Baron Acton). But the Lord Jesus Christ exercised such absolute power with perfect holiness and righteousness.

The authority of His word

“And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:21-22).

The synagogue was the place were the experts met to teach others about how they ought to be living their lives. The Rabbis and Scribes were considered to be the authority on all things pertaining to God’s word, that is, until Jesus stood up to speak. His word was fresh, powerful and awe-inspiring. The Rabbis pointed their listeners to other well-known Jewish commentators, but Jesus brought them directly to God. They spoke about the authorities, but Jesus spoke with authority. Nothing was boring or mundane that Sabbath Day, for the people sensed the absolute authority of the Lord. He taught what Scripture actually said. There is no better thing to do than that.

His authority over Satan

“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him” (Mark 1:23-26).

Right there in the synagogue was a demon-possessed man, who may have attended the service for many years, but no-one had the power to set him free, that is, until Jesus stood up to speak. The demons never declared the Rabbis and Scribes to be holy men sent from God, but they recognised who Jesus was immediately. They also knew that He had absolute authority to cast them out and send them to Hell. They knew that He had come to earth to destroy Satan and his power over mankind. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Jesus’ was in the business setting people free. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36). None of the religious leaders had the authority to deliver people from Satan, but Jesus did.

His authority announced

“And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee” (Mark 1:27-28).

The people knew that Jesus was different than the Rabbis and Scribes. They had never been so enthusiastic about any Sabbath Day teacher, but that all changed when Jesus stood up to speak. From that moment they wanted to tell their friends, family members and neighbours about the Lord Jesus Christ. If only believers would do the same today! We too have experienced deliverance from the clutches of Satan. Jesus has changed our lives completely through His blood. Can we not share this good news with others? People need to know about the Lord, and it is our responsibility to tell them. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15).

His healing power

“But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him” (Mark 1:29-34).

The Rabbis, Scribes and people would normally go home for their Sabbath Day lunch and rest after synagogue, but not when Jesus stood up to speak. The Lord too could have gone away to relax, but instead He carried on doing what He was sent to do. He ministered to the sick and possessed well into the night. People were important to Jesus, and this is one reason why He differed from the religious leaders. “Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers” (Luke 11:46) … “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:20).

Conclusion

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke with absolute authority and power. He still changes lives with His word today. The vicars and priests do not have the power to save souls, the Rabbis are as legalistic as the Pharisees were, the Imams are on the payroll of Satan, and most preachers are compromising and watering down God’s word. Can we not just do what Jesus said? “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20).