"News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee." (Mark 1:28)

The Jewish people of Jesus' day lived under the control and scrutiny of both religious leaders and Roman soldiers.  Enter Jesus, and with him a completely different kind of authority.While visiting a synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus amazed the people with his teaching which came, not from men but from God.  A man controlled by an evil spirit cried out in response:  "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24)  Jesus drove the evil spirit out of the man.News of Jesus' healing power and Kingdom authority spread quickly.  People were "overwhelmed with amazement"  (Mark 7:37) and couldn't help but speak about their real experiences with this new kind of authority in their lives.  Jesus came, not to control them but to set them free.Prayer:  Dear Jesus, thank you for your promise of eternal healing for all who believe in you, and for the freedom we experience even now in your grace.  You came to set us free from our sins, by dying in our place, and now we live to serve you!  Lead us forward with you this week and help us to reflect on your sacrificial love for the world.