Jesus' Authority and Mission

Have you ever been in the presence of someone who possesses great authority and power? It was my privilege, many years ago, to meet Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher (on separate occasions). There was something different about these statesmen. Their presence seemed to fill the entire room and had an effect on everyone who was there.

What would it have been like to be in the presence of Jesus? Up to this point in Luke’s gospel many great claims have been made about Him – that He is the Son of the Most High, the Davidic King, the Son of God, and the Messianic Deliverer. In our passage (Luke 4:31-44), Jesus demonstrates that He has unique authority as He teaches with authority and authoritatively casts out demons and heals the sick. His authoritative words and acts demonstrate that the Kingdom of God has arrived bringing deliverance to all who turn to Him.

Jesus’ Kingdom work goes on today. Questions arise, however. Should we expect to be in open conflict with demons? Will Jesus heal all of our diseases? What is the nature of Jesus’ work in our age?