Just about anything can be posted on the Internet – and with programs like Photoshop, a picture’s worth a thousand lies. Many websites such as Snopes are dedicated to pointing out the fakes. In the days of Christ, Scribes and Pharisees talked the talk, but didn’t walk the walk. They thought they had power and authority, but did they?

What is this? A new teaching with authority!

Mark 1:27

Jesus said the Scribes and Pharisees lay burdens on others that they themselves wouldn’t lift a finger to move (Matthew 23:4). Jesus healed the sick. The Pharisees and Scribes accused Him of healing by Satanic power (Matthew 12:24). Today’s verse shows the common people recognized the difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of the Scribes and Pharisees…which had no real power and authority.

If you want power in your life, pray. If you want God’s authority, read the Bible, receive God’s grace and yield to His Holy Spirit. If you want to do God’s will and make a difference in the world, walk in love. Back up what you believe with loving action. Pray that leaders and citizens of this nation will know Christians by their love (John 13:35) and turn to Jesus for salvation.

Recommended Reading: James 1:19-27