Many of us deride the authority of Jesus Christ for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. We are directed by the power of the Holy Spirit to share with you a witness account of the power and authority of Christ Jesus whom we have denied. 2 Corinthians 13: 1 says in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. Though truth is not established by witnesses, yet the account of witnesses cannot be discounted in establishing the truth.
As the age draws to a close, we are inspired by the Holy Spirit to refer to what witnesses said of Jesus’ authority. As we interrogate this matter, let us be guided by what the people said about Jesus Christ in Matthew 8: 27; Mark 4: 41, what manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? We have set out a very limited and non-exhaustive recorded account of the authority of Christ Jesus.
1. Authority in all places – Matthew 28: 18 says all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
2. Authority to do God’s will – John 5: 30 says I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. See also John 8: 28.
3. Authority to Judge – John 5: 27 says the Father has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man.
4. Authority as Rabbi – Matthew 7: 29 says for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. See also Mark 1: 22; Luke 4: 32.
5. Authority to forgive sins – Matthew 9: 6 says but you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins. See also Luke 5: 24.
6. Authority to heal – Mathew 8: 16 says that evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. (Read also Matthew 9: 35; 10: 1, 8).
7. Authority to impart power – Matthew 10: 1 says and he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. See also Mark 3: 15; 6: 7; Luke 9:1; 10: 19.
8. Authority to exhibit faith – Matthew 21: 21 says and Jesus answered them, truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if say to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. Read from verse 19-22.
9. Authority to decree – John 12: 49 says for I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. See also chapter 14: 10.
10. Authority to give the Holy Spirit – John 14: 26 says but the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Read also Chapter 16: 13.
11. Authority for God’s approval – Matthew 3: 16-17 say and when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; lo, a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. See also Chapter 17: 5; Mark 1: 11; 9: 7; Luke 3: 22.
12. Authority to guarantee the word – Matthew 5: 18 says for truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
13. Authority to restore life – Mark 5: 41 says taking her by the hand he said to her, Talitha cumi, which means, Little girl arise. And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. (Read also John 11: 43 about Lazarus).
14. Authority to preach God’s word – Mark 16: 15 says Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Read also Mark 13: 10; Luke 24:47; Acts 5: 20 says go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life
15. Authority above all things – Ephesians 1: 20-23 say …God raised him (Christ Jesus) from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and made him the head over all things for the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
These facts established at the mouths of more than one witness are beyond controversy. All doubtful minds and arguments must therefore be put to rest. John 8: 32 says and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. We urge you today to submit to Christ Jesus now and he will save you. John 6: 37 says all that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we acknowledge your authority as above all things everywhere. We humbly submit to your authority so cleanse and redeem us in your blood. Come into our lives today and make us anew by your Holy Spirit and make us still in faith and in truth. Thank you Jesus for answered prayer, Amen!!
