PODCAST
Words of Authority
October 17th, 2013
Luke 4:31-37
Lindsay’s four-year-old son loves to challenge her and her husband. A couple of nights ago, as they were heading out the door, he ran back inside. “I need to get my cars!” he yelled at them from his room. “Okay,” she told him. “You may bring three cars.”
As you might have guessed, he brought five. Granted, part of his behavior might be age-appropriate. What four-year-old doesn’t try to bring as many cars as he can hold to the store? On the other hand, another part of it might be because Lindsey’s words don’t hold enough authority. She’d given in before, so he assumes she will give in again.
Contrast Lindsey’s words with those of Jesus. Jesus’ words held authority. In Luke 4:32, the people who heard Jesus “were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.” When Jesus spoke, people listened. They knew that what he was saying was important. When Jesus talked, people took note that something was different about Him. He wasn’t like the religious leaders of the day who often spoke to build themselves up. No, when Jesus spoke, the people literally heard the words of God.
Author: Lindsey Bell
