He Has the Power – Family Devotion – February 1, 2021

Read: Mark 1:21-28

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Mark 1:25-28

He Has the Power

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There’s an old cartoon that many who were born in the 1970s and 1980s loved. The cartoon was called He-Man. The famous part of every cartoon that so many remember is when He-Man would say the words, “I have the power!” and lightning would strike as He-Man changed into a super strong hero to fight bad guys like Skeletor.

Okay, fine. So 1980s cartoons were a little weird. Don’t laugh at your parents too much. But… every TV hero is kind of the same. Whether you are He-Man, Black Panther, Thor, Iron Man, or Wonder Woman—all heroes claim to have power. Then they show off that power as they defeat enemies that threaten the world.

People were always shocked by the things that Jesus said. He claimed that he was special and had power. He even claimed to be the Son of God and promised Savior. The story for our devotion today actually took place when Jesus was at worship in the synagogue with other Jews one day. The people were shocked at the authority and power of his teachings and what he said. Then suddenly, a man possessed by a demon spoke against Jesus and what he was doing. That’s when Jesus spoke the words we just heard, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Just like that, the evil spirit left the man. The people were amazed at what they saw and heard, and news spread quickly about Jesus.

Every miracle Jesus did was very special. Each time that Jesus did something like turning water into wine, healing people, or casting out demons, Jesus showed that he had power. Jesus didn’t just say he had power as the Son of God—he proved it!

No place is this more clear than at his empty tomb on Easter morning. Jesus didn’t just say he was the Savior. Jesus didn’t just say he would die and pay for sin. Jesus didn’t just say, “It is finished on the cross.” Jesus proved all this by rising from the dead! He did finish his work of saving us! He did pay for our sins! He is our Savior!

Enjoy this little story today as you get to see just a little bit of Jesus’ power. But like a commercial for a superhero movie, this story is just a preview. Get ready! The real celebration on Easter is just about two months away! What a joy to know that Jesus has the power—and proves it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for telling us about your power with your words and then proving it with your actions. Help us always to trust in what you say and do! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How did Jesus prove his power at the synagogue on this day?
• When did Jesus prove that he has the power of Satan, death, and hell?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was it important for Jesus not only to talk about his power but also to prove it?
• How does it help you to know that Jesus has more power than anyone or anything, including the devil?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain why Easter morning can give us absolute confidence that Jesus is not just a good man or a good teacher, but actually our God and Savior.
• Explain what this means: In the Bible God often showed his power in obvious and open ways like with miracles, but now God shows his power in hidden ways with his Word and sacraments.

Hymn: CW 556:1,2 – Rise, Shine, You People

Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered
Our human story; God in him is centered.
He comes to us, by death and sin surrounded,
With grace unbounded.

See how he sends the pow’rs of evil reeling;
He brings us freedom, light and life and healing.
All men and women, who by guilt are driven,
Now are forgiven.