Daily Devotional for Friday, January 2

Jesus Preached in Synagogues

“And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power,” Luke 4:31, 32.

I was a substitute teacher for a few years. When I would give instructions, most of the students, especially at the middle schools, would dismiss them. I could not monitor all of their computers at the same time or give them a bad grade if they refused to work, so what authority did my words have? Now that I have my own classroom (and I even teach some of the same students), my words have complete authority. I can call parents, shut down access to websites and put a failing grade in the gradebook. When I speak, they know I mean business.

Jesus’ ministry was marked by His teaching, often in synagogues where people gathered to hear the Scriptures. When He arrived in Capernaum, He not only spoke words of wisdom, but His word held a power and authority that left the people astonished. Unlike the religious leaders of the time, Jesus’ words carried divine truth that was able to pierce hearts and transform lives because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. While others were merely repeating traditions, He was revealing the heart of God. His words healed the broken, confronted sin and offered hope to the weary. The author of all Scripture was standing in front of them with all authority and power.

Even today, the words of Jesus hold the same power. When we open the Bible, we encounter the living Word, full of grace and truth. Just as the people in each place He preached marveled at His teaching, we, too, should approach Scripture with reverence, expecting to be changed.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Jesus’ words are not just history, but life-giving truth. When He speaks, may we listen with open hearts, trust in His power and follow Him with unwavering faith.

Ashley Ridings