THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:18-20

Key Verse: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 9:1-8; Matthew 10:1; Matthew 21:23-27; Colossians 2:14-15; Philippians 2:9-11

Description: Jesus Christ possesses absolute authority over heaven and earth, and His authority is revealed through His teachings, miracles, victory over sin, and His eternal reign as Lord.

INTRODUCTION
The Gospel of Matthew consistently presents Jesus Christ as One who possesses unique and divine authority. Unlike the religious leaders of His day, Jesus taught with certainty and power, leaving people astonished at His words. His authority was evident not only in His teaching but also in His ability to heal the sick, cast out demons, forgive sins, calm storms, and command obedience from all creation. Everywhere Jesus went, His authority distinguished Him from every other teacher and leader.

Matthew carefully records numerous events that demonstrate Christ's supreme authority. Whether confronting demons, addressing religious leaders, performing miracles, or teaching about God's Kingdom, Jesus exercised authority that belonged to God alone. Even His enemies recognized that there was something extraordinary about Him. His authority was not derived from human institutions, traditions, or titles but from His divine nature as the Son of God.

For believers today, understanding the authority of Jesus Christ is essential for victorious Christian living. Because Christ possesses all authority, believers can trust Him completely, obey Him confidently, and live under His divine protection and guidance. His authority guarantees the fulfilment of God's promises and assures believers of ultimate victory over every power of darkness.

1. JESUS POSSESSED AUTHORITY IN HIS TEACHING
The words of Jesus carried divine authority and truth.

a) He Taught with Authority (Matthew 7:28-29)
The people were astonished because Jesus taught differently from the scribes.

b) His Words Revealed God's Truth (John 14:6)
Everything He taught reflected the Father's will.

c) His Teachings Transform Lives (Matthew 5:1-12)
The Sermon on the Mount continues to shape Christian living.

d) His Word Remains Eternal (Matthew 24:35)
Heaven and earth may pass away, but Christ's words endure forever.

Biblical Example: After hearing the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds marvelled because Jesus taught with unmatched authority (Matthew 7:28-29).

2. JESUS EXERCISED AUTHORITY OVER SICKNESS AND DISEASE
No sickness could resist the power of Christ.

a) He Healed the Leper (Matthew 8:1-3)
A simple touch and command brought complete healing.

b) He Healed the Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
His authority extended beyond physical distance.

c) He Restored the Blind (Matthew 9:27-30)
Jesus opened eyes that had never seen.

d) He Healed Every Kind of Disease (Matthew 4:23-24)
His ministry demonstrated God's power over human affliction.

Biblical Example: The centurion's servant was healed instantly through the authority of Christ's spoken word (Matthew 8:5-13).

3. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS AND THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
The kingdom of darkness could not withstand His authority.

a) Demons Obeyed His Commands (Matthew 8:16)
Evil spirits fled at His word.

b) He Delivered the Oppressed (Matthew 12:22)
Jesus brought freedom to those under satanic bondage.

c) He Demonstrated the Kingdom's Power (Matthew 12:28)
His deliverance ministry revealed God's Kingdom.

d) He Defeated Satan's Works (1 John 3:8)
Christ came to destroy the works of the devil.

Biblical Example: Jesus cast demons out of many people, demonstrating His complete authority over evil spirits (Matthew 8:16).

4. JESUS POSSESSED AUTHORITY OVER NATURE
All creation responds to the command of its Creator.

a) He Calmed the Storm (Matthew 8:26)
The winds and sea obeyed His voice.

b) He Walked on Water (Matthew 14:25)
Natural laws submitted to His authority.

c) He Multiplied Food (Matthew 14:19-21)
He demonstrated authority over material resources.

d) He Controlled Creation (Colossians 1:16-17)
All things were created by Him and for Him.

Biblical Example: The disciples were amazed when Jesus rebuked the storm and the sea became calm (Matthew 8:23-27).

5. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS
One of the clearest evidences of His divinity was His authority to forgive.

a) He Forgave the Paralytic (Matthew 9:2)
Jesus addressed the man's spiritual need before his physical need.

b) Forgiveness Revealed His Divine Nature (Matthew 9:6)
Only God possesses authority to forgive sins.

c) His Sacrifice Secured Redemption (Matthew 26:28)
His blood was shed for the remission of sins.

d) Salvation Is Found in Him Alone (Acts 4:12)
Christ remains humanity's only source of forgiveness.

Biblical Example: Jesus forgave and healed the paralytic, proving His authority over both sin and sickness (Matthew 9:1-8).

6. JESUS POSSESSES ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH
Following His resurrection, Christ declared His universal authority.

a) He Conquered Death (Matthew 28:5-6)
The resurrection established His victory forever.

b) He Received Universal Authority (Matthew 28:18)
All power in heaven and earth belongs to Him.

c) Every Knee Shall Bow to Him (Philippians 2:9-11)
Christ will ultimately be acknowledged by all creation.

d) He Reigns Forever as King (Revelation 19:16)
His Kingdom is everlasting and cannot be shaken.

Biblical Example: After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples based on the authority He had received over all creation (Matthew 28:18-20).

CONCLUSION
The Gospel of Matthew reveals Jesus Christ as the One who possesses absolute authority. His authority was demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, deliverance ministry, power over nature, forgiveness of sins, and victorious resurrection. No force in heaven, on earth, or under the earth can rival His power or challenge His sovereignty.

As believers, we can live confidently under the authority of Jesus Christ. We are called to submit to His lordship, trust in His power, and obey His commands. Because He possesses all authority, we have assurance that every promise He has made will be fulfilled, every enemy will ultimately be defeated, and His Kingdom will reign forever.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to fully submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let Your authority be established in every area of my life in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen my faith in the power of Christ in Jesus name.

4. Lord, grant me victory over every work of darkness in Jesus name.

5. Father, let every opposition before me bow to the authority of Jesus in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to walk in obedience to Your Word in Jesus name.

7. Father, release Your healing power into my life in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let every storm in my life be calmed by Your authority in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to live as a faithful representative of Your Kingdom in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let Your name be glorified through my life in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk under the divine authority and protection of Jesus Christ.

2. Every power working against your destiny shall bow before the name of Jesus.

3. The Lord shall establish His peace in every storm surrounding your life.

4. You shall experience victory over every challenge and opposition.

5. The authority of Christ shall bring healing, restoration, and breakthrough into your life.

6. Every chain of bondage shall be broken by the power of Jesus Christ.

7. You shall walk boldly in faith and confidence in God.

8. The Lord shall strengthen and preserve you in every season.

9. You shall fulfil your divine purpose under the guidance of Christ.

10. You shall continually experience the power, favour, and victory that come from living under the authority of Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name. Amen.