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

Saturday, January 18, 2020

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

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Mark 10:42-45
  • Mark 3:31-35

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, January 18, 2020

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 4:6
"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Has Triumphed Gloriously' (Ex. 15:1-3)
"Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD: "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues Those Who Love & Honor Him'
"The Lord says, "Whoever loves me, I will save. I will protect those who know me. They will call to me, and I will answer them. I will be with them....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Temples of the Holy Spirit!' (1 Co. 6:19-20)
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a..."

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!"

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!