Authority

Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority. [Matthew 9.8]

After Jesus healed a man that had leprosy and made the point that healing and forgiveness were synonymous, the crowd made an interesting conclusion: God gave humans great authority.

Why did they not just praise God that Jesus alone had such authority? Why does Matthew record the plural "humans" instead of the singular "man" Jesus? I would conclude that, in the context of the circumstance, it was understood that the authority Jesus displayed was not limited to only Himself. In fact, all Jesus' teaching bears this out: that Jesus demonstrated the life that all people of faith would and should live.

The flagship passage in the Bible to support the statement in the previous paragraph is John 14.12:

“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]

But don't be convinced this is an isolated statement by Jesus! There are numerous accounts where Jesus indicated He was the example for all men to follow.

In the context of this healing event recorded in the Gospels however, we see this "authority" in its fullness. It was not just healing power that was on display, but the forgiveness behind the healing that was the real teaching highlight! Jesus made a point to associate healing with forgiveness and forgiveness with healing.

Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [Matthew 9.5-6]

In an unrelated teaching moment later on, Jesus would further reveal this "authority" in no uncertain terms that most of us 'choke' on:

If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.23]

What? In fact, even as much criticism as "faith healers" receive today cannot compare to the disdain reserved for those who claims to forgive sins. And yet, Jesus was not unclear in His statement: If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.

Amazing. And, a little bit scary. And, a little bit exciting. And, ...an enormous responsibility!

I dare say few, if any, Christians fully comprehend this authority. And yet, we are ALL commissioned to operate in it:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]

These are not just my thoughts. The meaning of God's Word is clear. 

Father, may Your Word ring true in our lives today. May Your Church finally begin to comprehend and operate in Your authority! Forgive us for willfully neglecting the truth of Your Word and the commission found in it.