“Jesus … was baptized by John .... As Jesus was coming up out of the water, … a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
Mark 1:9-11
Jesus’ authority came from His submission to God. Though sinless, He submitted to baptism, signifying He’d take upon Himself the sin of the world. He’d come to do His Father’s will: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me …” (John 4:34).
Jesus maintained that authority from His Father through prayer. “Very early in the morning … Jesus … went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). He prayed at His baptism, before choosing His disciples, before feeding the 5,000, before His transfiguration, at Lazarus’ tomb, in Gethsemane, and on the cross. Jesus’ authority remained steady all the while because He kept submitting Himself to His Father. That’s part of what prayer is—submitting our lives to God, admitting that we need Him.
Whatever demons or powers are binding you, whatever illness is stifling you, temptation weakening you or grief burdening you—submit it to Jesus. Those demons will shake and shriek before Him. Keep submitting to Him; Jesus will wield His authority and send them away. And that’s truly amazing!
Jesus maintained that authority from His Father through prayer. “Very early in the morning … Jesus … went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). He prayed at His baptism, before choosing His disciples, before feeding the 5,000, before His transfiguration, at Lazarus’ tomb, in Gethsemane, and on the cross. Jesus’ authority remained steady all the while because He kept submitting Himself to His Father. That’s part of what prayer is—submitting our lives to God, admitting that we need Him.
Whatever demons or powers are binding you, whatever illness is stifling you, temptation weakening you or grief burdening you—submit it to Jesus. Those demons will shake and shriek before Him. Keep submitting to Him; Jesus will wield His authority and send them away. And that’s truly amazing!
Scripture Focus
Mark 1:1-13
Insight
Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;/ This is my heart-cry day unto day;/ I long to know Thy will and Thy way.” (Albert S. Reitz, 1925)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 8-9
- Psalm 4
- Matthew 6-7