About "Authority"

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” [Mark1.23-27]

Something changed. Here came Jesus teaching with "authority." That authority carried supernatural power.

The underlying idea here is that, before Jesus, religious teachers apparently conveyed no authority. In other words, they were powerless.

But wait, weren't these people aware of the prophets before Jesus? What about Elijah and Elisha and others? There is much to be learned here!

Sometime near this event, probably just before it, Jesus said this:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” [Luke 4.18-19]

Unlike the prophets of old, who had moments of supernatural power, Jesus took the anointing of the Spirit - evidenced when John the Baptist baptized Him - as a way of life.

"Authority" is why Jesus was never surprised at His miracles. You see, if its truly "authority," then why would He be surprised if He's simply doing heaven's work - God's will on earth as it is in heaven?

Jesus never questioned whether or not what He said would accomplish its intended purpose. Why? Because He knew, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it was His calling, ministry, and mission. It was why He came to earth - it was His purpose.

Ready for this?

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” [John 20.21]

John 20.21 is not the only scripture that says this, but it is one that says it clearly. Any believer in Christ is commissioned with the exact same Spirit and authority as was Jesus. And so, the results should be the same:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

So, why don't we see more authority in the Church today?

Now, that's a good question, isn't it?

Father, forgive me for powerlessness in my life. Forgive me for living this life like one subject to circumstances instead of living like one to whom circumstances are subject. Forgive me for excusing myself from looking and acting every bit like Jesus.