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The Authority of King Jesus

John 17:1-2 marks the beginning of one of the most powerful passages in all Scripture. Jesus prays to the Father and says,

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”

Jesus knows that his time on earth is coming to a close. He knows that he must sacrifice his life so that the door to a restored relationship with the Father would be flung open to all who would put their faith in him.

It is good news that the Father has given the Son “authority over all flesh.” You and I serve the one true King of all humanity. Jesus is the King of all the earth, and our King would ask the Father to send him to die so that we might live. Our King willfully lays down his life for us who have done nothing to deserve his kindness. Colossians 1:15-20 says:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Later, Paul writes in Colossians 2:13-15,

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

What does it mean for us today to serve the High King in whom all authority and kindness dwell? What would life look like if we completely submitted ourselves to his authority? All of His creation answers to His name. All of humanity will one day bow before him. What would your life look like if you decided to willfully lay down your life in response to his lordship today? What would it look like to crown him as King of your plans, efforts, emotions, relationships, finances, past, present, and future? You were not created to be the king of your own life. You were not designed to bear the burden of doing life apart from the lordship of Jesus Christ. And you will never know true peace, joy, purpose, and love until you submit all you are to all God is.

Take time in guided prayer to meditate on the authority and power of Jesus. Thank him for his loving sacrifice, and crown him King of your life today.

Prayer

1. Meditate on the authority and power of Jesus. Allow Scripture to call you to a lifestyle of obedience and worship.

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.” John 17:1-2

“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:15-20

2. Thank Jesus for his sacrifice. Reflect on the depth of God’s grace and power as demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus. God considers a restored relationship with you worth the death of his perfect, only Son.

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Colossians 2:13-15

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

3. Crown Jesus as Lord of your life. Commit to surrendering everything to him today. Hand over control of your plans, relationships, finances, and emotions to the one who will guide you daily into the abundant life he died to give you.

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1