2012 Jesus Christ, authority of

The right of Jesus Christ to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising eternal life to those who believe in him.

Jesus Christ’s authority underlines his divine status

Jn 8:28 See also Jn 8:58; Jn 14:6; 1Co 1:24; Col 2:10

The origin of Jesus Christ’s authority

It is given by God the Father Jn 3:35 See also Mt 28:18; Lk 10:22; Jn 5:26-27; Jn 7:16; Jn 10:18; Jn 12:49-50; Jn 17:2

It is limited by the Father Mk 10:40 See also Mt 24:36 pp Mk 13:32; Php 2:6-8

It is questioned by others Mt 12:24-28 pp Mk 3:22-26 pp Lk 11:15-20 See also Mt 21:23-27 pp Mk 11:27-33 pp Lk 20:1-8; Jn 2:18

The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his works

He has authority over nature Mt 8:23-27 pp Mk 4:36-41 pp Lk 8:22-25; Mt 14:22-33 pp Mk 6:45-51 pp Jn 6:15-21; Mt 21:18-22 pp Mk 11:12-14 pp Mk 11:20-24

He has authority over sin Mt 9:1-8 pp Mk 2:3-12 pp Lk 5:18-26; Lk 7:37-38,44-50

He has authority over sickness Mt 8:14-15 pp Mk 1:30-31 pp Lk 4:38-39; Mt 20:29-34 pp Mk 10:46-52 pp Lk 18:35-43; Ac 3:16; Ac 4:30

He has authority over evil Mk 1:23-27 pp Lk 4:33-36; Lk 10:17

He has authority over death Mt 9:18-25 pp Mk 5:22-42 pp Lk 8:40-55; Mt 28:1-7 pp Mk 16:1-6 pp Lk 24:1-8 pp Jn 20:1-17; Lk 7:11-16; Jn 11:38-44

The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his teaching

Jesus Christ claims authority for his own words Lk 4:18 See also Mt 5:21-22,27-28; Mt 12:41-42; Mt 17:5 pp Mk 9:7 pp Lk 9:35; Mk 2:5,10; Mk 8:38; Mk 10:15 The use of the phrase “I tell you the truth” emphasises Jesus Christ’s authority; Mk 13:26,31; Jn 4:24-26; Jn 6:63; Jn 7:15-18; Jn 12:48-50; Jn 13:13; Jn 14:6 The “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel emphasise the divine nature of Jesus Christ’s authority; Jn 15:3

His authority is recognised by others Mt 7:28-29 See also Mt 22:33,46; Mk 1:22,27 pp Lk 4:32

His authority is questioned and opposed by others Mt 26:65-68; Lk 4:28-30

Jesus Christ delegates his authority to others

His followers preach in his name Mt 10:7; Mt 28:18-20

His followers continue his works Mt 10:1 pp Mk 6:7 pp Lk 9:1-2; Mt 10:8; Mk 3:15; Mk 6:13; Mk 16:17-18; Lk 10:1-12; Jn 14:12; Ac 3:6,16

His followers pronounce his forgiveness and judgment Mt 18:18; Mk 6:11; Lk 22:28-30; Jn 20:22-23; 1Co 6:2-3

The results of Jesus Christ’s authority

He receives honour and glory Jn 5:22-23 See also Jn 11:4; Jn 17:5

He arouses amazement Mt 9:33; Mt 12:23

He is opposed Mt 12:14 pp Mk 3:6 pp Lk 6:11

He is feared Lk 8:37 pp Mt 8:34

His disciples are opposed Ac 16:16-24

The authority of the exalted Christ

He is Lord Eph 1:20; Php 2:9-11; Col 3:1; 1Pe 3:22; Rev 3:21

He is Lord of creation Col 1:16-17

He is Lord of the church Eph 1:22; Eph 5:23; Col 1:18

He is judge Ac 10:42; Ac 17:31

He is Saviour Jn 3:15; Jn 14:3; Col 1:19-20; Tit 2:13; Heb 7:24-25; Heb 9:28

He is interceder Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25; Heb 9:24; 1Jn 2:1

See also