A new teaching with authority
Published Jan 13, 2026 12:05 am
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Updated Jan 12, 2026 06:09 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Jews attending the Sabbath service in the synagogue in Capernaum are enthralled when Jesus explains to them the Scriptures. Jesus comes across as a teacher nonpareil; he teaches as one having authority. “Authority” (Greek, exousia) is the power to act, decide, command, or judge.
Among the Jews, the scribes or teachers of the Law are considered “authoritative” in their teaching and interpretation of Scriptures, usually by quoting the opinions of famous rabbis. People are astonished at Jesus’ “authority” in teaching. He explains the Scriptures with a breath of fresh air, not quoting the opinion of any rabbi to justify his statements. His admirable way of explaining the Scriptures has nothing to do with eloquence or mere oratorical skills. He even makes bold declarations that correct or amplify what is written in Scriptures itself: “You have heard it said in the days of old, but now I say to you…” (a phrase in Mt 5).
Above all, his word has power that brings about what it commands, like the word of God in creation: God said… and it was done. He commands the unclean spirits to come out of the man they possessed, and these obey him. The power of Jesus’ word is clear even to a pagan centurion, a person of authority himself. Asking Jesus to cure his servant but feeling unworthy to have Jesus enter his house, he tells Jesus, “Only say the word and my servant will be healed” (Mt 8:8).
Our own word has authority if we mean what we say and say what we mean. Are we men and women “with one word”?
Gospel • Matk 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.