Surrounding most military facilities is fencing with signage stating, “No trespassing by order of the MND.” Most who would want to enter the property would not know the meaning of MND nor the name of the current Ministers of National Defence. Yet, they accept the warning not to trespass as authorized by someone in authority.
When we read about Jesus in the Gospels, do we take His ministry as done by someone of authority? When we end our prayers “in Jesus’ name”, do we do so because we acknowledge Jesus as someone of authority? Throughout his ministry, Jesus did not just affirm and endorse the words of Scripture; he talked and acted like he had authored the Scriptures. He lived with the authority of the One who wrote the book.
Below are a few verses referring to his authority, which may enhance your understanding and acceptance of His power.
1. JESUS HAD THE AUTHORITY TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17–18.
2. JESUS HAD THE AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS
“But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So, he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. Matt. 9:6–8
3. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS
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.” Mark 1:27
4. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER SICKNESS
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Mat 10:1)
5. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY TO JUDGE
And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. John 5:27
6. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER ALL MEN
For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. John 17:2
7. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt. 28:18.