Authority of Jesus

The authority of Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting His divine nature and mission. Jesus' authority is multifaceted, encompassing His teaching, miracles, forgiveness of sins, and ultimate authority over life and death.

1. Teaching Authority: Jesus taught with an authority that astonished His listeners. Unlike the scribes, He spoke with inherent authority, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount. "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (Matthew 7:28-29).

2. Authority over Nature and Spirits: Jesus demonstrated His authority over the natural world and spiritual realm through miracles. He calmed storms, walked on water, and cast out demons, showcasing His dominion over creation. "Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27).

3. Authority to Forgive Sins: Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins, a prerogative of God alone, which led to accusations of blasphemy from religious leaders. In healing the paralytic, He declared, "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (Mark 2:10).

4. Authority over Life and Death: Jesus' authority extended to life and death, as evidenced by His resurrection of Lazarus and His own resurrection. He proclaimed, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

5. Commissioning Authority: Before His ascension, Jesus conferred authority upon His disciples, commanding them to make disciples of all nations. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:18-19).

Rejection of Jesus

Despite His authoritative teaching and miraculous works, Jesus faced significant rejection, particularly from the religious leaders and many of His contemporaries.

1. Prophetic Rejection: The rejection of Jesus was foretold by the prophets. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would be "despised and rejected by men" (Isaiah 53:3). This rejection was part of the divine plan for redemption.

2. Rejection by Religious Leaders: The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes frequently opposed Jesus, questioning His authority and seeking to undermine His influence. They accused Him of blasphemy and sought to trap Him in His words (Matthew 22:15-46).

3. Rejection in His Hometown: Jesus experienced rejection even in Nazareth, His hometown. The people took offense at Him, questioning His wisdom and miraculous powers. "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home" (Matthew 13:57).

4. Rejection by the Masses: Although Jesus attracted large crowds, many turned away when His teachings became challenging. After the Bread of Life discourse, many disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" and subsequently abandoned Him (John 6:60-66).

5. Rejection Leading to Crucifixion: The ultimate rejection culminated in Jesus' crucifixion. The crowd, influenced by the chief priests, chose Barabbas over Jesus, shouting, "Crucify Him!" (Mark 15:13-14). This rejection fulfilled the Scriptures and was integral to God's redemptive plan.

The authority and rejection of Jesus are pivotal in understanding His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of His mission as the Messiah. His authority affirmed His divine identity, while His rejection underscored the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture and the unfolding of God's salvific purposes.