Authority in Jesus

Authority is not always our most interesting topic.  It is a subject kind of like "rules;"  something we'd almost like to not deal with.  But in the Bible it is a very important matter to consider.  God gave us the Bible as His Word, and He wanted us to understand who is in charge.  So we will look at a few passages that clearly establish the principles of authority. 

In the Old Testament, He said in Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."  The Lord has revealed many things for us to follow.

In the New Testament we see the emphasis being placed on Jesus as the Son of God.  Note 2John verse 9: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.  He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son."  And Paul wrote of the "mystery of Christ" in Ephesians 3: "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).."  It was revealed to Paul, and he has written that we may understand.

It is also noteworthy on a negative note that Jesus said in Matthew 23:9, "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven."  Authority is not to be given to men on earth.

Perhaps one of the clearest statements of authority came from Jesus Himself.  We read in Matthew 28:18-20, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

It is important to realize that all authority is in Jesus.   Thank you for reading.  Have a great week!