1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

He taught them as one having authority.

The congregation in the synagogue felt the authority behind Jesus’ teaching. You probably have felt authority too—behind a crossing guard’s order, “Let ‘em walk,” or an umpire’s call, “You’re out!” You know deep inside that these people have the power to make decisions, give orders, and dole out consequences for disobedience. Perhaps that’s how the people who heard Jesus’ words felt. We don’t know what he taught that day, but between his words and his casting out of a demon, Jesus revealed himself, with authority, as teacher and a life changer.

Authority is a good thing. Although we humans can use it in harmful ways, God—who is all-good and all-loving—never does. He uses his authority to bless us and teach us and set us free. We need to decide, though, whether we want to come under his authority. And that means being open and willing to obey his teachings and commands. The blessing is that as we accept his authority in our lives, we open the door for him to show us his ways.

So what would Jesus want to show you today? Perhaps he wants to teach you more about how to love your neighbor as yourself, how to treat people with honor and respect, or how to resist the temptation to keep finding fault with others. Perhaps he wants to teach you to respond with kindness and gentleness, even to someone who is being unkind to you. To be patient with one who is dancing on your last nerve. To hold on to joy even when you are sick or grieving.

Jesus longs to exercise his loving authority in your life today. He longs to teach you his ways and bring forth a new life of love and holiness in you. It’s up to you to accept him. So decide today to say yes to walking in Jesus’ ways. And as you follow his lead, you’ll find that he is shaping you into a person who is more and more like him. That’s the path to living in freedom and love and joy!

“Jesus, I open my heart to your authority. Teach me to follow in your footsteps.”

Hebrews 2:5-12
Psalm 8:2, 5-9
Mark 1:21-28