Luke 4:30-44  It is interesting that Luke picks and chooses what he wants to share about the ministry of Jesus.  He skips the calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John and goes straight  into the synagogue at Capernaum  and later to Simon's house. Since the account  of their calling had been told in the other Gospels, perhaps Luke found no reason to repeat that part of the story.  Luke does tell us that Jesus began preaching on the Sabbath in Capernaum, amazing the people because of the authority with which He taught and because of the power that He revealed as He delivered the man possessed by " the spirit of an unclean demon". 

These two factors, the teaching with authority and the revelation of that authority over the demon,  well establish the truth of who Jesus is.  He would not allow the demons to proclaim His identity, but made it known by His own words and deeds. 

As Jesus went to Peter's house and healed his mother-in-law and as others began to bring the sick  to Him, the Lord was establishing not only His authority but His divinity.  He tells them that He had to go "preach the kingdom of God" throughout the land of Judea.  This was His purpose.  Not just Capernaum needed a Savior, but all of Israel needed Him. In fact, all the world needs Him!

What would we have thought if we had been in Capernaum that day?  Would we have seen Him and believed?  Would we have heard His words and been amazed? Would we have recognized His authority? We have not seen Him, but we believe and are blessed, as John 20:29 says, "Jesus said to him, 'Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.' "  We have not heard Him speak.. to preach a sermon... but we have His written Word that reveals His authority and we believe!  When the Holy Spirit opens our eyes and ears, we have the same opportunity as those in Capernaum did that day.. to be set free.. to be healed.. to know the Holy One of God who came to preach to us the gospel of the kingdom of God, just as He did in Israel.  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Father in heaven, You have blessed us with every precious promise in Christ Jesus who is the Lord and Savior.  Thank You for this great salvation found in Jesus.  Father, we come in need.. for healing, for deliverance, for faith, for holiness.. that we might know You more and more. . and that we might  come into Your everlasting Kingdom on that day You call us home. Complete in us Your will.  Let Your Spirit move and guide us into the Light of Your Word that we might be amazed and blessed, for we ask this in His holy name. amen.