July 1, 2004, Vol.3, No.13.

The Authority of Christ

Keith Sharp

Early in Jesus’ ministry those who heard Him teach were amazed “for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29). The scribes taught by appealing to the authority of the Jewish fathers. But Jesus asserted, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ... But I say to you....” (Matthew 5:21-22)

They were at least equally amazed when he cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue in Nazareth. “They questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” (Mark 1:27)

Even His disciples were astonished when, by His command, the storm in the lake was stilled. They exclaimed, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:23-27)

During His last week in Jerusalem, the rulers of the Jews challenged His right to teach in the temple. They demanded, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)

What authority does Jesus Christ possess? 

The word “authority” denotes “the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others.” (Vine. 1:89) It thus includes the right to command and the ability to enforce the commands. 

The Lord prefaced the Great Commission by asserting, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18). Thus, He has all right to demand obedience both in heaven itself and on earth. This right was given to Him by the Father (cf. John 17:1-2). “For,” He explained, “I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.” (John 12:49) He further has the ability to enforce His rule. “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48; cf. 5:26-27) His authority is indeed great. The Father

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 1:20-23)

“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)

Jesus Christ has this authority since He has superceded Moses and the prophets of old as the spokesman for God. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus appeared in a different form, along with Moses and Elijah, to Peter, James, and John. Peter suggested, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” The Father replied from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5) Indeed, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son....” (Hebrews 11:1-2)

Therefore, beginning on the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles did every thing in His name, i.e., by His authority (Vine. 3:100; cf. Acts 4:18). They preached in His name (Acts 9:27,29), taught salvation in His name (Acts 4:11-12; 10:43; 1 Corinthians 6:11), baptized in His name (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5), performed miracles in His name (Acts 3:6; 16:18) issued commands in His name (2 Thessalonians 3:6), and exhorted the brethren in His name (1 Corinthians 1:10).

They furthermore commanded us to do all in His name, i.e., by His authority. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) Thus, in all relationships of life we are governed by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must have authority from Him for all we do and say. Even our prayers to the Father are to be “through Him” (Colossians 3:17) or in His name (Ephesians 5:20). Our worship must be in His name (Matthew 18:20).

One day Christ shall return in His full authority and splendor as the judge of living and dead (John 5:26-31). You may reject His word now, but on that day you will bow at His feet, confess Him as Lord, and be judged and eternally sentenced by Him on the basis of His Word (Philippians 2:9-11; John 12:48-50). You may ignore His authority now and attempt to serve God in the way that seems good to you, but on that day He will decree, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 5:23) My friend, have you submitted to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Work Cited

Vine, W.E., An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words