With Jesus amazement never ceases; it’s from start to finish, from beginning to end. It was that way throughout his earthly life and ministry. Everywhere he went he said or did things that were out of the ordinary – the extraordinary, and people wondered. You know, even his disciples were stunned and amazed when he calmed a storm before their very eyes.
Jesus was in the boat sleeping with his disciples after a busy day teaching and healing no doubt, when a storm raged. “The boat was being swamped and they were in great danger.” (Luke 8:23-24) His disciples panicked after they had tried all their experience as fishermen could permit them. Gripped by fear that the boat would capsize and that all of them would perish, they decided to wake Jesus up. He had been having a nap at the back of the boat. “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” (Luke 8:24) “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (Matthew 8:25) “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38) We all do this, don’t we? We worry a lot and unnecessarily sometimes. Jesus was in the boat. He had told the disciples before they embarked; “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” (Luke 8:22) How then can the boat go under? It is clear from this behaviour that the disciples had a lot to learn about their leader.
Nevertheless, Jesus woke up from his sleep, rebuked the wind and said to the waves. “Quiet! Be still!” The wind and waves obeyed; the sea became calm again. The disciples were so terrified that they remarked amongst themselves. “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!” (Mark 4:41)
What is the point if you have authority and no one obeys you? What use is your authority if it is never exercised, put to the test as it were, particularly at critical moments like these? In times of crisis or in the face of imminent danger how you lead matters a great deal. It can tell your audience whether you are in control of the situation or not. That is when your authority is most useful.
Like the disciples, I am sure you are equally amazed at what Jesus did - exercising his authority over a storm. There is a reason why? Well, isn’t it true that we have authority over what we can dominate and overpower; what we are stronger than. In this instance it was not a matter of strength with Jesus,, it was authority based on his ability as a creator. What you have put together you have authority over. “Through Him all things were made; without Him was nothing made that has been made.” (John 1:3) “For by Him all things were created: things in and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16) This explains it all. He made the wind. He commands it to stop and it stops. Everything under the earth and on the earth will have to bow to Jesus’ authority whether they like it or not. “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
Jesus exercised his authority over demons. Demons are fallen angels. When Satan was kicked out of heaven, some rebel angels joined him and became a part of his group or workforce. In Scripture, they bear the name demons. They are evil spirits. How strong a force do you think they would be against Jesus? I believe you know the answer. This is what happened.
At one instance Jesus was in the region of Gerasenes when a demon-possessed man came from the tombs to meet Him. He shouted at the top of his voice. “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” (Mark 5:7) But Jesus commanded, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” (verse 8) What is peculiar about Jesus’ authority here you would ask? Well, this was a man that no one could either bind with chains or subdue. He was so strong he broke them all. He called himself Legion, because there were a host of demons that inhabited him.
In a synagogue in the town of
They brought a man who was deaf and could hardly talk to Jesus for healing. After putting his finger into his ears and touching his tongue, Jesus commanded; “Be opened!” (Mark 7:34) Straightaway he began to speak. In another incident Jesus said to the evil spirit; “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again!” (Mark 9:25)
Probably you have questioned Jesus’ authority with a Why, What or How? I believe you now know the source. He has delegated that authority to YOU who confess his name and are ready to go in his power. He says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18)
“He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” (Matthew 10:1)
With Jesus’ authority over you evil spirits will flee and leave you in peace when they see the anointing of God on you. Because Bible says: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God…” (1 Peter 2:9) With such an identity affixed on you like a stamp to an envelope, the devil has no chance. He must look elsewhere. Nothing can by no means harm you and fear should not be our portion either.
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has authority over every aspect of our lives. He is the firm insurance of our faith. His authority comes from above that is why the Father wants us to listen to him. He is God’s beloved Son. “This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5)
God has given him authority to judge humankind. (John 5:27) Experience his authority in the Word of God: The Bible.
