26.1.25 Luke 4:31-37

26 January

Prepare

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, knowing that You are holy and good. We bring our praise and our burdens, trusting in Your mercy and grace. Help us to draw close to You now, to hear Your voice, and to rest in Your presence. Teach us Your ways and guide our hearts as we spend time with You. 

Take a moment to be still, to humble ourselves to our heavenly Father.

Read Luke 4:31-37

Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

Reflection

There is a quote from Jesus in Johns gospel that I have read and heard many times which, if I’m honest I haven’t really reflected on as much as I should. Jesus says, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

“…they will do even greater things than these..”

Jesus tells His disciples (and that also means you and me) that those who believe in Him will not only continue His work but will also do even greater things, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The "greater things" refer to the spread of the Gospel, the ability to perform miracles, and the work of the Spirit.

Jesus in today’s passage from Luke demonstrates His power over evil and brokenness by casting out the demon. Similarly, we may encounter spiritual struggles, fears, or unhealthy patterns in our lives. This passage reminds us that Jesus has the power to free us and others from these forces. Jesus prayed for and healed the sick and suffering. We can, through his name, do the same.

Be

Take a moment to consider what it meant when Jesus says “…truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing”  

What does this look like for you and me?

Become

Lord, empower us by your Holy Spirit to continue your work. Empower us to pray for the sick and suffering. Empower us to pray for those who are captive and lost. May the power of evil and brokenness be broken in your name.

Do

Who do we know that needs healing? Let’s pray for 3 people who are known to us.

Practice

Send some time praying for ourselves. What are our struggles, fears, concerns and health issues? We might want to share these with a Christian that you trust, so that they too can pray over you.