Jesus Among Us: Walking With Him in His Ministry and MiraclesSample

Spoken Power

When was the last time you heard someone speak who didn’t just say words but embodied them? They spoke with passion, and there was a legitimacy to what they were saying that is rare. Hearing the words of such a person makes a huge difference, doesn’t it? Those words impact you on a deeper level.

The word authority begins with the word author, and the New Testament refers to the authority of Jesus at least ten times. Jesus was able to speak with authority because He is the Author. He didn’t passively recite phrases people had already heard at their synagogues or at the temple. His teachings weren’t the usual instructions that had been engrained in them. He wasn’t there just to impart some general wisdom but to express the fulfillment of the law. He didn’t merely know the script, but He wrote it! He spoke His words into the lives of those around Him. And His words left people stunned. He was giving them new concepts, new ways of looking at things, spoken with the kind of authority that had the power to transform their lives—that has the power to transform your life…if you’re listening.

Name someone you have listened to or seen whom you believe genuinely speaks with authority. What impact has that person made on your perspectives, attitudes, or actions?

What kind of authority do your own words carry?

Jesus, thank You for coming all the way to earth to speak to us in person and share Your heart with us. Thank You for the life You lived and for Your words to us. I pray that my life will continue to be changed by You. In Your name, amen.