What Does Word with Power mean?

“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:32‬ 

God did not call us to be nice. He called us to be Jesus to the world around us. 

Jesus was full of Love, Holiness, Faith and set to do the will of the Heavenly Father during His earthly ministry. Jesus spoke the truth in love, and He became an instrument for the Heavenly Father to yield His power in and through Him.

While Jesus is our only example to behold and live this life on earth, I’d like to share only FOUR demonstrations of the Word with Power in the lives of the saints.

Authority 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

One of the saddest things about some Christians is that they treat the Bible as an intellectual stimulant. To please themselves, showcase knowledge and be tagged as an expert or authority over scripture. So many today, instead of showcasing who is the authority, claim the authority for themselves. That’s why their word lacks the power to transform, and only intellectually teases the mind.

Peter and John were unlearned and ignorant men. When they spoke they revealed the authority of the Word of God which made men marvel. Why? Because the Word of God requires heart. When we love the Word of God, the Spirit of God gives us the strength to speak the heart and mind of God in the very hour. When Peter and John spoke, the Jews were reminded of Jesus, who had spoken to them earlier with the same authority. 

If our preaching does not reveal Jesus, then our preaching is in vain. Believers are called to live in the authority of the Bible, in Jesus.

Healing

But the centurion replied to Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:8)

The centurion knew the power in the words of Jesus. He was a man of great authority himself, as a centurion. His word could send shivers down a soldier's spine. He knew that no one would disobey him having tasted the power that came with authority himself. 

He recognised Jesus as the King of kings, and Lord of lords. He knew that Jesus could command an army of angels who had the power to destroy any hold of sickness in anyone’s life. 

Another display of great faith by a non-believer who chose to believe. How much more believers who have been called into this marvelous light have to learn from the centurion. How many Christian’s doubt the Word of God, and consistently fail to hold onto WHOM they have been called to believe. Let’s not be found doubting the power in the Word of God ever again. 

Deliverance

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. (Mark 5:13)

I chose to go with Jesus on this one so my readers who do not know the Lord Jesus realise that if you find anyone in your family or friends bound with evil spirits, Jesus will deliver them all. A legion consists of 3000-6000 soldiers. In this case, there were about that many evil spirits in this one person. 

When you read the verses prior to the above mentioned, you will find that this man had (evil) supernatural strength (Mark 5:3-5). The demons inside got scared the moment Jesus appeared before them. They knew they were before the Lord of the Universe, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. They trembled and begged for mercy.

In the name of Jesus, every demonic spirit flees. There is power in the Word of Jesus, and the Name of Jesus. 

Comfort

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

The Thessalonian church is a model of true fellowship. The Word that was preached to them manifested in their daily lifestyles. Which further caused the salvation of souls in the neighbouring places of Macedonia, Achaia and others. Jesus is the only comfort for man's deepest needs.

They had received the gospel under great persecution. Being idol worshippers, stepping away from that lifestyle to the new and only way in Jesus brought forth the fruit of repentance and righteousness in their lives.

May these words edify and comfort you as you learn about who Jesus really is, and how worshipping the living God alone can transform lives.