The Authority of Jesus
Have you ever been in trouble with the law?
Let’s say a police officer stops you for speeding. That officer has the authority to write you a ticket for speeding, right?
Authority is simply the right, or power, to give orders and then enforce obedience.
In Mark 1:21-28 we find Jesus teaching in the synagogue, surrounded by a crowd that was completely amazed by how He teaches with great authority (v. 22). Then, a dude in the way back, who was possessed by an evil and unclean spirit, cries out, “What do we have to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God” (v. 24). Until now, the evil spirit was prevailing, having complete authority and power over this dude in the back. But Jesus responds with ultimate authority; “Be quiet, and come out of him!” and, at that, the unclean spirit came out of him (v. 25,26). In this moment, there was absolutely no other option for this evil spirit, other than to obey the voice of Christ. And again, everyone in the synagogue is jaw-drop shocked by the authority of Jesus.
In Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, “All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me.” Have you thought about Christ’s authority in your own life? Often times, we disregard this authority and our struggles overtake us. We get owned by addictions, lust, depression, fear, pride, bitterness, and more…BUT, Jesus has ultimate (aka: final, supreme, utmost) authority over any and all of it!
What have you been struggling with? Bring it to Jesus — He has complete authority over it. Christ can set you free, if you are willing to submit to Him.
Have you submitted your life to the authority of Christ? [JSAW Skate Program Study from April 29th, 2015]