God created the Earth and the sky with His words. When creating light, again He used words. He created the plants, the animals, and even man and woman – all with words.

They were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.

Luke 4:32

Jesus, so like His Father, also had words that possessed authority. When He spoke, people listened. In the story surrounding today’s passage, the Son of God commanded a demon to leave the body of a man – and it obeyed. In John 4, Jesus spoke and healed an official’s son who was gravely ill, even though the boy was far away. When the disciples in their boat experienced a storm on the sea, Jesus “rebuked the wind and said…‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

In Jesus’ time, people were astonished at the authority of His words. In modern times, many will marvel when His words come true. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3) Ask God for your fellow citizens to acknowledge the authority of Christ and His words. Pray for all people, including your national leaders, to be ready for His return.

Recommended Reading: John 14:1-14