SOURCE - Dictionary of Bible Themes: 2012 Jesus Christ, authority of
Dictionary of Bible Themes ” 2000 Jesus Christ ” 2003 Jesus Christ, qualities of ” 2006 God, the Son ” 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
John 8:28 See also John 8:58; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 2:10
The origin of Jesus Christ’s authority
It is given by God the Father
John 3:35 See also Matthew 28:18; Luke 10:22; John 5:26-27; John 7:16; John 10:18; John 12:49-50; John 17:2
It is limited by the Father
Mark 10:40 See also Matthew 24:36 pp Mark 13:32; Philippians 2:6-8
It is questioned by others
Matthew 12:24-28 pp Mark 3:22-26 pp Luke 11:15-20 See also Matthew 21:23-27 pp Mark 11:27-33 pp Luke 20:1-8; John 2:18
The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his works
He has authority over nature
Matthew 8:23-27 pp Mark 4:36-41 pp Luke 8:22-25; Matthew 14:22-33 pp Mark 6:45-51 pp John 6:15-21; Matthew 21:18-22 pp Mark 11:12-14 pp Mark 11:20-24
He has authority over sin
Matthew 9:1-8 pp Mark 2:3-12 pp Luke 5:18-26; Luke 7:37-38-50
He has authority over sickness
Matthew 8:14-15 pp Mark 1:30-31 pp Luke 4:38-39; Matthew 20:29-34 pp Mark 10:46-52 pp Luke 18:35-43; Acts 3:16; Acts 4:30
He has authority over evil
Mark 1:23-27 pp Luke 4:33-36; Luke 10:17
He has authority over death
Matthew 9:18-25 pp Mark 5:22-42 pp Luke 8:40-55; Matthew 28:1-7 pp Mark 16:1-6 pp Luke 24:1-8 pp John 20:1-17; Luke 7:11-16; John 11:38-44
The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his teaching
Jesus Christ claims authority for his own words
Luke 4:18 See also Matthew 5:21-22-28; Matthew 12:41-42; Matthew 17:5 pp Mark 9:7 pp Luke 9:35; Mark 2:5; Mark 8:38; Mark 10:15 The use of the phrase “I tell you the truth” emphasises Jesus Christ’s authority; Mark 13:26; John 4:24-26; John 6:63; John 7:15-18; John 12:48-50; John 13:13; John 14:6 The “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel emphasise the divine nature of Jesus Christ’s authority; John 15:3
His authority is recognised by others
Matthew 7:28-29 See also Matthew 22:33; Mark 1:22 pp Luke 4:32
His authority is questioned and opposed by others
Matthew 26:65-68; Luke 4:28-30
Jesus Christ delegates his authority to others
His followers preach in his name
Matthew 10:7; Matthew 28:18-20
His followers continue his works
Matthew 10:1 pp Mark 6:7 pp Luke 9:1-2; Matthew 10:8; Mark 3:15; Mark 6:13; Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:1-12; John 14:12; Acts 3:6
His followers pronounce his forgiveness and judgment
Matthew 18:18; Mark 6:11; Luke 22:28-30; John 20:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3
The results of Jesus Christ’s authority
He receives honour and glory
John 5:22-23 See also John 11:4; John 17:5
He arouses amazement
He is opposed
Matthew 12:14 pp Mark 3:6 pp Luke 6:11
He is feared
His disciples are opposed
The authority of the exalted Christ
He is Lord
Ephesians 1:20; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:1; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 3:21
He is Lord of creation
He is Lord of the church
Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18
He is judge
He is Saviour
John 3:15; John 14:3; Colossians 1:19-20; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 7:24-25; Hebrews 9:28
He is interceder
Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24; 1 John 2:1
See also
2018 Christ, divinity
2066 Christ, power of
2212 Christ, head of church
2224 Christ, the Lord
2309 Christ as judge
2312 Christ as king
2324 Christ as Saviour
2336 Christ, exaltation
2369 Christ, responses to
4165 exorcism
5215 authority
6654 forgiveness, Christ’s ministry