Jesus’ Authority During His Earthly Ministry
Jesus exercised full authority (exousia) throughout His earthly ministry (Matthew 7:29; 21:23). He declared, “all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Nevertheless, that authority had been voluntarily limited because of His incarnation. The Bible tells us that Jesus had authority in a variety of ways:
- Jesus had authority over all diseases and physical ailments. He healed all those that sought Him for healing without exception (Matthew 14:14 also 8:16; 9:20-22; 12:15; 19:2; 21:14; Mark 6:56; Luke 4:40; John 4:46-54; 9:1-41, etc.).
- He had power over material objects. In one occasion, He blessed “the five loaves and the two fish and it multiplied and He fed “five thousand men, besides women and children” (Matthew 14:15-21 also 17:24-27; John 2:1-11; 21:1-14).
- He had power over all the elements of nature. He calmed the storms and the sea (Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:22-33).
- He had power over death. He raised the dead (Matthew 9:18-26; John 11:1-45).
- He had power over the devil and all his demons. He cast out devils and delivered people from their bondage (Luke 10:17-18).
Jesus’ Authority After the Resurrection
After the Resurrection, Christ once more had all authority as before He came to this earth to assume the limitations of humanity (Philippians 2:6–8). The sacrifice in behalf of man had now been completed. And He entered upon His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary.
God the Father gave His Son exceeding great power that He may bless the believers “when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:19-23).
God’s mighty power, which is promised for all those that put their faith in Christ as their personal Savior (John 1:12), is shown especially in the change of a sinner into a saint. This amazing transformation is not done by psychology, knowledge, or good works; it is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Lord promised, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26,27).
As God, Jesus was equal with the Father. All authority was initially and basically His; but as Mediator, as God-man, all authority was given him; in part because of his work (because he humbled himself, therefore God thus exalted him), and in part because of carrying out the saving plan; he had this authority given him over all flesh, that he might give everlasting life to as many as accept him (John 17:2).
Therefore, Christians should have no fear of evil for Christ is superior to all powers, both heavenly and earthly. He is Sovereign Lord, with supreme and universal power (Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16). At the end of time, He is going to receive for Himself a kingdom (Luke 19:12), to sit down at the right hand of God (Psalms 110:1). Having purchased it, nothing remains but to take possession; Christ is “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
