Luke 4

“For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” (v36).  Parts of Jesus’ message and some of His actions were attractive to everyone.  In the synagogue of His hometown, He was well-received … as long as He simply spoke of freedom (v16-22).  When His message implied salvation for Gentiles also (v24-30), they rejected Him.  They welcomed His power to set them free, but they resisted His authority to proclaim a Kingdom different from their expectations.

Jesus is still present in power and authority.  He forgives, redeems, and transforms us, and He calls us to submit to His loving authority.