Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “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!” “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.

There have been a few movies about truck drivers over the years. Sly Stallone played one in Over the Top, a movie where arm wrestling was also featured. Imagine with me that you purchased a tractor/trailer unit and were training to haul supplies.

Now, a few options present themselves: skip the training, do online training, hire a cheap instructor (who mainly tells you what not to do), or hire an instructor and coach. The coach will drive with you and model all you need to know while providing instruction and practice.

1) If you tried to skip the training, you would have the power of the truck, with no instruction on how to use it and no “on the road” experience. This would be a disaster! 2) You could do online truck driver training, but it would lack practical “on the move” help to keep you out of trouble. Situations or challenges may arise that were not mentioned in the online course. 3) If you hire the cheaper instructor, he or she might have a megaphone barking out what not to do. This approach would create fear and worry instead of confidence. 4) And finally, if you hire a coach, who mentors and models excellent truck driving skills, you will pay more, but likely have the best and most productive results.

Now imagine some company executives are standing by at a training track, looking to see who they will hire. Which of the above drivers, who received various types of training, are they likely to have more confidence in? Probably the one in scenario number 4.

The Jewish people had spent their entire lives with only options 1, 2, & 3 above, in regards to their relationship with God and how to live a life of true meaning and eternal value. They could try their hardest on their own, they could accept the scriptures and study for themselves and try to apply it the best they could, or they could follow the Pharisees.

The Pharisees, like the trainer in example #3, were all about what not to do. They focused on the don’ts in life, comparing themselves with you and constantly indicated that they were more worthy. And so, those living off what they preached to them tended to be fearful, worried, and confused. There was a lack of real connection to their faith. They used only part of the instructions and they used these to make themselves look good. It is like driving down the road with no future focus point, constantly darting your eyes to avoid pitfalls. This would result in erratic and unsafe truck driving.

Jesus came along and offered a better, more costly approach. He lived out what he preached, so it was modeled for the people. His preaching had authority and power because of this real life application. And God the Father blessed him by allowing his power to be displayed through him. So he demonstrated the power of a loving and pure God. He cast out this evil demon.

Leaders who lead by example, who are less talk and more action, are typically the types of leaders I like to follow. So many in this world get caught up in the heady philosophical side of religion, and they forget there is a personal God who sent his Son as a Savior and a Guide, like a Shepherd, for us to use.

The cost, though, for this expert instructor is great. Followers of Jesus must surrender their lives to Jesus and trust him that a life guided by him will be infinitely more rewarding! They must seek him with all their hearts. And they must be willing to sacrifice, enduring persecution and hardship for his name.

The people here were amazed. Some acted on this awe, and followed Jesus wholeheartedly. Most probably just enjoyed the moment, but settled for less than life’s best, because the personal cost to them was too high.

What will I do today and in the future? Will I settle for second best in this world, and not pursue the costly coaching and life-modeling of following Jesus? Or will I follow him with all of my heart, my whole soul, my complete strength, and the fullness of my mind?

Lord, thank you for your word here. You modeled and called us to a life of complete surrender to you. If we choose this life, we will have skill and power to live in incredible ways as God chooses to work through us. Teach me, Master Life Mentor!