What Jesus Did! 'The Authoritative Voice' — Mark 1:27-28

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Amazement gripped the audience [when Jesus cast the evil spirit out], and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!" The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.
— Mark 1:27-28 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus has authority. Not just rank so he can give orders. Not just power so he can obliterate his enemies. No, Jesus has true authority - rank, power, and integrity so that he can authentically subdue and destroy evil. This authority should not just be admired. This authority should not leave us spell-bound. No, this authority should lead us to watch Jesus and learn from his actions, because they are gracious and compassionate as well as mighty. This authority should make us listen to what he says because Jesus' words are not only true, but they are also life-giving and liberating. We should be excited. We should tell others about Jesus, and we should obey him and follow his example of sacrificial service.

Today's Prayer

My dear and precious Father, the one true and living God, please give me the courage to believe and obey the words of Jesus and to follow his example of sacrificial service. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

My Deliverer Is Coming!
Article by Phil Ware
What is the Phil Ware continues with his series on The Story focusing on the What Is and Who Is and the Why Is of Jesus' coming.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:27-28 NLT — "What sort of new teaching is this?" —— "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, January 18, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Matthew 3:7
"It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself; to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'What Brings Deep Joy'
"My Dear Little One, The world is a big place. I've asked you to step into this big place and make a big difference. I know there will be times when....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Spirit of Generosity' (Ro. 13:9)
"Dear Father, generous giver, Love sees needs and shares resources. How lacking I am in this regard. Please forgive me and make me better. Give a..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Crisis Council' (Acts 4:5-7)
"The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!