The people in the synagogue Jesus was teaching recognized that Jesus had authority, unlike the Jewish scribes. The scribes often depended on the biblical figures, especially, on Moses for the validity of their interpretations and teachings. On the other hand, Jesus didn’t use others’ names for his teaching. And then, the people witnessed that demons declared the divinity of Jesus and that Jesus cast out the demons with his power. The knowledge and power of Jesus originated from him. Jesus himself was the source and origin of his teachings and wonders. The authority of Jesus was not a social status or privilege. It meant his genuine power of divine knowledge and works. This is why Jesus attracted so many people. The people saw the real thing in Jesus. But the authority of Christ Jesus was not merely in the signs he performed. He demonstrated his redeeming authority by his death at the crucifixion and his life at the resurrection.
We all wish to be authentic Christian. Or, we hope not we give an impression of a false or hypocritical Christian. We want to be more than nominal Christians. How do we become authentic Christian? Not all of us are gifted with teaching or healing. But we can still follow what Jesus did. As Christ Jesus always remained in his heavenly Father by prayer, we can be with the Father and the Son in prayers. As Jesus took up his cross to give his life for us, we can choose a life of sacrifice in many ways.
When the apostles once asked why they could not cast out certain unclean spirits, Jesus told them it was possible only by prayer and fasting. When we pray, we are united with the Lord. When we practice sacrifice, we become the Lord’s instruments for his wonders. A life of prayer and sacrifice makes us authentic Christian, even enabling us to cast out tenacious demons just like Jesus did.
