The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”

— Mark 1:27

When God’s enemy and ours, the devil, tempted Adam and Eve and humanity fell into sin (Genesis 3), all of our relationships were broken—with God, with each other, with ourselves, and with creation. Temptation and sin opened the way for the devil and his followers—impure spirits—to attack and influence our lives, sometimes even taking possession of people’s hearts, minds, and bodies.

God’s Son, Jesus, came into the world to rebuild what was broken and to restore the goodness of creation, healing many people’s bodies and minds. Jesus came as God’s authoritative Word, and with power he drove impure spirits out of the people they had possessed.

The crowd in Capernaum heard the Word of God and saw the power of God that Sabbath day. They were amazed to see God’s love presented to them in the person of Jesus. And as he worked wonders in God’s great plan of salvation, Jesus showed that his power was far greater than any demonic presence.

The people heard Jesus speak God’s Word, and they saw his amazing acts of restoration. They witnessed “God with us,” Immanuel, and they spread the news about him everywhere.

Lord, thank you for showing your love in the person of Jesus Christ. May we seek him in the written Word you have given us, and may we tell of your power and love every­where. Amen.