Daily Devotional for Wednesday, August 230

Jesus’ Authority

“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,” Mark 1:27.

For generations, learned men have taught the Bible from knowledge they gained over years of instruction. They were taught by other learned men who were taught by learned men. These generational Bible lessons were passed down through spoken word or by written instruction, much like our education of today. This is the best that mankind can do, learn from those who have learned.

But when Jesus taught, He did not teach as one who had learned. He taught with authority as one who knew, as if He was the very source of the knowledge He expounded. To accompany that teaching, He had authority over demons and sickness and natural weather patterns. The Pharisees and crowds that followed Jesus noticed  that He did not speak and act as one who had been well educated. No, He spoke as the very author of the Old Testament.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The religious leaders, crowds of people and disciples began to recognize that the very Word of God was speaking and ministering to them. The authority Jesus taught and ministered from was the fact that He is the authority. He is the eternal God.

Today, as you read the Word of God, you can know with certainty that the eternal God of the universe is speaking to you and teaching you. We do not read the Bible as we do historical books or novels. When we read the Bible the living author speaks to us and transforms us by His Spirit.

FINAL THOUGHT: Trust the authority of the living Word of God as you read and meditate on its truths today.

Steven Ridings