Amazement
came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Luke 4:36
Luke 4 [31.] He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”
Luke 4 [35.] Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down in the middle of them, he came out of him, having done him no harm.
Luke 4 [36.] Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.
Luke 4 [38.] He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, a
Meaning:
This verse captures a moment of astonishment from the crowd as they witness Jesus performing a miraculous act of deliverance. In this passage, Jesus is in Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. As He teaches, He encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. With a simple command, "Be silent, and come out of him!" (Luke 4:35), Jesus drives the demon out, leaving the crowd in awe of His authority and power.
- The Astonishment of the People
The reaction of the people is one of amazement and bewilderment. They had likely seen or heard of exorcisms before, but this was different. Jesus' authority was undeniable, and the power He displayed was unlike anything they had ever seen. They were struck by the immediacy and effectiveness of His command over the unclean spirit.
"What is this word?"
The phrase "What is this word?" reflects the people's wonder at both the content and the effectiveness of Jesus' command. In the original Greek, the word used here is "λόγος" (logos), which can mean "word," "message," or "teaching." The crowd recognized that Jesus' words were not ordinary. His words had power—real, tangible power that resulted in immediate action. This was not merely a case of someone speaking eloquently or teaching with wisdom; this was a demonstration of divine authority.
"For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!"
The people explicitly note that Jesus' authority is coupled with power. Authority without power is ineffective, and power without authority is illegitimate. But Jesus possesses both. His authority is rooted in His identity as the Son of God, and His power is the manifestation of God's kingdom breaking into the world. The unclean spirits had no choice but to obey Him because His authority was absolute.
The Significance of Jesus' Authority and Power
- Authority Over the Spiritual Realm:
This event underscores Jesus' dominion over the spiritual forces of darkness. The unclean spirit recognized Jesus and was compelled to obey His command. This is significant because it shows that Jesus' authority extends beyond the physical world into the spiritual realm. His word is powerful enough to drive out demons, which are often seen as symbols of chaos, evil, and opposition to God's kingdom.
This moment is a precursor to the broader spiritual victory that Jesus would achieve through His death and resurrection. Colossians 2:15 speaks to this victory, stating, "Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Jesus' authority over demons during His earthly ministry foreshadows His ultimate triumph over all spiritual forces of evil.
- The Word of Jesus as Transformative Power:
The power of Jesus' word is not limited to exorcisms. Throughout the Gospels, we see that His word has the power to heal the sick, calm storms, forgive sins, and even raise the dead. In John 1:1-3, we are reminded that Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the agent of creation, and His word has the power to bring about new creation in the lives of those who believe in Him. The authority and power of Jesus' word continue to be at work today, transforming lives and bringing deliverance to those who are bound by sin and oppression.
The power of Jesus' word also invites us to respond with faith. Just as the crowd was amazed and began to speak among themselves about what they had witnessed, we too are called to recognize the power and authority of Jesus' word in our own lives. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that "the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword." When we receive His word with faith, it has the power to penetrate our hearts, discern our thoughts, and bring about transformation.
The Response to Jesus' Authority
- Fear and Reverence:
The amazement of the people in Luke 4:36 likely included a sense of fear or reverence. They were witnessing a power that was beyond human understanding, and this naturally led to a response of awe. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom." Recognizing the authority of Jesus should lead us to a holy reverence, acknowledging that He is not only our Savior but also our Lord, with authority over every aspect of our lives.
- Spreading the News:
The people's reaction also involved spreading the news of what they had seen and heard. Luke 4:37 says, "News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region." When we encounter the power of Jesus in our own lives, it should move us to share that experience with others. The testimony of Jesus' authority and power is not something to keep to ourselves; it is something to proclaim, so that others may also come to know Him and experience His deliverance.
Conclusion: Luke 4:36 captures a moment of profound revelation for those who witnessed Jesus’ authority and power over unclean spirits. Their astonishment reflects the uniqueness of Jesus' ministry and His divine authority, which is not only over the physical world but extends deeply into the spiritual realm. The power of His word is transformative, bringing healing, deliverance, and new life to all who encounter it.
As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in our own lives, to respond with reverence, and to share the good news of His power and deliverance with those around us. The authority of Jesus is not just a historical fact; it is a present reality that continues to impact and transform the world today.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible