Luke 4:34

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

Transcendent talent rises above everything else. The world knew there was something special with Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James at an early age. Tiger was able to compete with seasoned Tour veterans before he graduated high school. The athletic abilities of Kobe and Lebron were evident before they were able to drive a car. We are amazed by the story of tour member JB Holmes competing at the varsity level while in the fifth grade. We can all name athletes that we played with in high school who was regarded as “stars” because of their apparent talent. However, their deficiencies were readily reflected when matched against other “stars” from the surrounding communities, within the region or state. They were big fish in a small pond.

The uniqueness of Jesus was readily apparent when He walked upon the earth as a man. There was something different about him. When we are confronted and come into the contact with Him, we are convicted of our uncleanliness. No one or nothing else is able to fully alert us as to this deficiency. In Luke 5:8, Simeon Peter saw with his own eyes the power of Jesus when the futile fishing adventure was turned into a bounty when the instructions of Jesus were heeded. He could not help but declare, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

Even the demons within the man in the synagogue mentioned in Luke 4:34 recognized the power and identity of Jesus. Ironically, the demonic beings identified Jesus and His might, yet his own chosen people were ignorant and did not appreciate his power. Even evil was able to testify to the greatness and the power of Jesus.

Our personal testimony is a declaration of the unique power of Jesus within our own lives. When we accept Him as more than a prophet and “good man”, but as Savior and Lord, we are forever changed. The people around us are able to see “something different” about our countenance and demeanor. We are indwelled with the Holy Spirit who changes our whole nature. Our doubts and sinful tendencies are noted and recognized when confronted with holiness. Our old self cannot peaceably exist when we bear witness to His transcendent holiness.

The world is desperate to find that “unique” quick fix for its unrest and discontent. Medications exist for nearly every ailment imaginable. However, a strong medicine always has unintended consequential side effects which we seemingly gladly accept. When we recognize the root of our sickness as being sin, Jesus Christ is able to more than mask our transgressions. Paul proclaimed in Ephesians 1:7 that, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” This blood transfusion internally cleanses our sin infection. It then we are able to fully recognize Him for who He really is. He is more than a healer. He is Savior!