“Jesus went to Capernaum…He taught the people and they WERE 1AMAZED at His teaching, because HIS WORDS HAD AUTHORITY. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “COME OUT OF HIM!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people WERE AMAZED and said to each other, “What words these are! With AUTHORITY AND POWER He gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” (Luke 4:31-36) 1ekplēssō: to be struck with astonishment.
Let us consider what happens when Jesus speaks:
- Those listening were struck with astonishment
- Jesus words cause the listener to “feel” the Authority – Jesus is the “Word of God”
- That Authority caused the demon to cry out and leave
- Again astonishment and recognition of Christ’s Authority
Think about what took place here, the amazement the recognition of godly authority!!! In just a little while this will happen with these who wondered at Jesus, “Pilate said, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “LET HIM BE CRUCIFIED!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “LET HIM BE CRUCIFIED!” (Matt. 27:22-23)
-Bill Stockham