The Authority of The Son

Here’s a question for you: Why does everyone obey a police officer who directs traffic at a busy intersection? I’m sure there were some funny responses. For those of you who answered “their authority”, well done! People obey the signals of the officer because of the officer’s authority. The officer has authority over everyone at the intersection. The thing is, that authority isn’t emanating from the police officers themselves but from their badges, indicating the authority granted to them by the law. You don’t listen to the officer at the intersection because they are a particularly intimidating or competent individual, you do it because of the power behind them! Similarly, as Christians, our authority doesn’t come from our own abilities or efforts, but from Jesus Christ, who grants us the power to carry out His will!

When the disciples returned from their work in the towns that Jesus had sent them to, they were amazed. Christ’s disciples exclaimed that even demons were subject to them in the name of the Son! That must have been a pretty amazing feeling. However, Jesus made sure to clarify that the power they wielded was actually His, given to them. When we read this passage, do we believe the authority of the Son has been given to us? We should, because even as modern Christians we have been granted authority through Jesus! Whatever we face, whether they be spiritual battles, personal struggles, or obstacles in our ministry; we can stand firm, knowing that the power of Jesus’ name is at work in us! We don’t need to rely on our own strength, because we have His!

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Can I identify specific moments where I’ve seen God’s authority active in my relationships, ministry, or personal struggles?

2. How often am I using the authority Jesus has given me to serve others and further His Kingdom?

What’s next?

1. Pray for Jesus’ strength and guidance, recognizing that it’s through His power, not your own, that you can face challenges and serve others effectively!

2. Try to approach new opportunities and challenges this week by remembering that the authority to act comes from Jesus alone, and seek to serve Him through your actions.

Pray this prayer

Father, thank you for the authority and power you’ve given me through the name of your Son, Jesus. I know that I have been granted the authority to carry out your will, but I pray that I walk humbly, recognizing that the authority I possess is a gift from you rather than a power of my own. Thank you for all that you do for me, Lord.