Anyone attempting to preach on this text has to contend with the question of authority, both in terms of what it means in the case of Jesus and what it means for those who have come after and preach in Jesus’ name. I think there are a few things we can say based on the text.
1. The authority Jesus exercises is not about rhetorical skill but comes directly from God. It is also not about what we sometimes call “book learning”. Neither of these things is bad. On the contrary, they are necessary tools for the preacher. Ultimately, however, the efficaciousness of our preaching, our authority, is God’s doing.
2. This authority is not focused on the control of the hearers but rather on their healing and wholeness. It is also not exercised for the benefit of the preacher. We preach the good news, not to direct the behavior of the listener but to proclaim the good things God is doing in and through Jesus.
3. Being recognized for the power and authority of your preaching is not always a good thing. The powers of sin and death are the first to recognize the authority of Jesus. It’s ultimately not about the preacher. It is about God and the hearers.
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