Luke 4:36
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
Luke 4:36
Luke 4:36 notes the reaction: astonishment that Jesus speaks with such authority that even unclean spirits obey him. The people are eyewitnesses to a power beyond conventional medicine or teaching. This moment confirms that Jesus is not merely a miracle worker but a master over the spiritual realm. The crowd’s exclamation—“What a word is this!”—frames the rest of the chapter as a turning point in public recognition. It also shows the division that Jesus’ authority brings: some affirm, others oppose. Luke emphasizes that the kingdom’s arrival disrupts the status quo and demands a response.
This verse crystallizes the incarnation’s implications: God’s Word has power to command creation and oppose evil. It highlights the harmony of Jesus’ word and work—teaching with authority, and power to cast out demons. This demonstrates the in-breaking of God’s rule and confirms the prophetic expectation of a messenger who would bring divine power to bear on human bondage.
For modern readers, the takeaway is simple: trust in Jesus’ authority in all areas of life. When confronted with fear, illness, or moral struggles, turn to Jesus who has power over spiritual and natural realms. Practice submission to his word in daily life—confessing, renouncing, and asking for his deliverance when needed. Let his authority shape your decisions, relationships, and how you handle conflict.
Cross-References: Hebrews 4:12; Mark 1:27; Acts 2:22; Colossians 2:15