Astonishing Authority

This week, as we return to our series in Luke's gospel, we will hear of the people's amazement at Jesus' teaching and the authority his word possessed. The power and authority of this word, the good news of the kingdom of God, is demonstrated in its proclamation and in the healing and casting out of demons that accompany his teaching. This gracious word is not to be kept for oneself, but to be proclaimed to all.
Last week we were reminded by Trevor Faggotter that those gifted to speak are to speak, 'as one who speaks oracles of God' in order than God may be glorified in everything through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11). These 'oracles of God', the authoritative word of Jesus, and the good news of the kingdom of God, are one and the same. If we speak anything but the Word of God and Christ crucified, our preaching is without true power, authority or wisdom.