In this weeks gospel Jesus entered a synagogue and began to teach. While teaching he was met with a man who was possessed by an “unclean spirit”. Jesus did something that had never been done before in public. Jesus spoke directly to the spirit and more importantly the spirit listened. Jesus said “Be quiet” and “Come out of him!” Immediately after that, the unclean spirit left the man. Jesus spoke with so much authority and nobody had ever witnessed anything like this before. Jesus had shown the world that even the unclean spirits listen when he speaks. People began to see who Jesus really was after this public display of power.
Throughout Jesus’s life on earth he spent most of his time teaching. Some say that Jesus is the greatest teacher that ever lived. I can agree. I say this not because of what he taught but how he taught. No man has ever spoke like Jesus. Parable after Parable, Jesus gave us a in-depth look into the Kingdom of God. Rarely did he get frustrated with human shortcomings or the disciples inability to fully grasp who he really was. He rarely lost his temper. He just patiently walked with us. That’s the sign of a true king, humble, kind and willing to meet his followers where they are. There’s never a need to belittle or suppress anyone else. Not much like the “powerful” leaders of today’s world.
In so many ways Jesus is the opposite of what the “world” is. He is a king but without the fine things that most people believe a king should have. He leads without being controlling or bossy. He’s above all, yet he serves others. He’s humble, vulnerable and still The King. When you think of a king you don’t really envision the torture that Jesus endured. When you think of a ruler you don’t see the cross that Jesus died on. Most of us think about jewelry and material wealth when we think of a king. Jesus had none of that. He had something else. Jesus had the power of God. That is true power and it has nothing to do with things of this world. It is beyond material, and earthly goods. That power is the reason why Jesus is the King of the Kings. His authority isn’t simply on earth. Jesus’s authority is over all things. Remember, even the unclean spirit listens when Jesus speaks. His authority is unmatched.
What authority does Jesus have in your life. What position does he hold? Is he a King that you run to when your need something? Is Jesus just your supplier of material goods or is he more? Is he the answer to all your questions? Is he at the center of your life or his he on the outside looking in? Does Jesus have a role in who you are as person. Does Jesus have an impact on how you show up to the world everyday? I think he wants total authority over our lives. He wants complete control but without taking it from you. I think we are called to give him control. They say a great leader will never ask his followers to to do something that he wouldn’t do himself. Maybe we are called to give him our lives because , Jesus being the perfect role model gave up his life for us. Jesus taught that we are to surrender. We are taught surrender our lives and selfish desires and pick up the cross. Have you? Have you been able to put down your ego and need to be right? Have you cleared a space in your heart for Jesus. I want to say I have, but the truth is I fall short. Somedays, are tough and it’s during those days when I tend to believe that I know best. It’s those days that maybe my spirit is a bit unclean…. Still Jesus’s love brings me back. It brings me back to prayer and fellowship with my Christian brothers and sisters. How about you? What kind of authority does Jesus have in your life?
-Anonymous
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