OCTOBER 9, 2026 – AUTHORITY

READ: Luke 4:31-37: … Jesus rebuked him … ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ …

Just as in Nazareth, those attending the synagogue in Capernaum are astonished at Jesus’ words as He preaches there on several Sabbaths. They are beside themselves; Jesus makes such a deep impression. Unlike the scribes, He speaks with great authority, proclaiming divine truth.

But then a man in the assembly who is driven by a demon addresses Jesus and tries to silence Him: ‘What do we demons actually have to do with You?’ You come from that Nazareth; just leave us alone. Surely nothing good comes from Nazareth (cf. Matt. 2:23)? But then the demon speaks through the man: ‘Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God.’

In fact, this is a confrontation between Jesus and Satan. Satan, the arch-liar, tries to portray Jesus as the great destroyer, but He has come precisely to redeem people! It is clear that Satan wants in this way to confuse the people in the synagogue. But Jesus intervenes immediately and silences the demon. Although the demon throws the man down on the floor, this does not result in an injury. He gets up healthy and well, freed from the demon, which leaves him at Jesus’ command.

With every act of the Lord Jesus, it is important to consider why it happens and why it has been recorded. We then continually see that Jesus uses His preaching and miracles to reveal Himself. He is in control, even when it appears otherwise.

In Nazareth He tests the synagogue-goers to see whether they will accept Him as the Messiah sent by God, while He lets Scripture testify concerning Him. Their response is a violent rejection. Yet Jesus majestically departs from there. His hour has not yet come. There is still a today of grace, even for Nazareth.

In Capernaum we see a man who is in the power of the devil. But Jesus shows that He is above demons and can deliver people from them. He is not the destroyer, but the Saviour! Let us also look to Him in this way. For all this is recorded not only to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Saviour, but also so that we may worship, follow, and obey this Saviour.

For what else does Christ deserve praise?

Sing: Ps. 91:2,3