THEY ARE NOT READY FOR THIS

Luke 4:31-35

Luk 4:31 And he came down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath.
Luk 4:32 And they were astounded at his teaching, because it was authoritative.
Luk 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,
Luk 4:34 “Ha! what are you doing with us, Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Luk 4:35 And Jesus confronted him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And after throwing him down in their midst, the demon came out of him without hurting him at all.

authoritative teaching

Surprise and angry fear: those are the reactions to Jesus’ teaching mentioned in this text. The synagogue worshipers were used to Rabbis who told them what somebody else taught, all information with no challenge of authority. They did not know how to take the Son of God explaining God’s will out of fist-hand knowledge. The demons resented Jesus’ teaching because of who he is. They were afraid that judgement day had come. Do we trust God’s word enough to teach it with authority and conviction?

LORD, we are praying for the courage to confront a world that is not ready for your word.