Authority of Jesus

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

1. Teaching Authority: Jesus taught with an authority that astonished His listeners. Unlike the scribes, He spoke with divine insight and command. In Matthew 7:28-29 , it is recorded, "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."

2. Authority over Nature and Spirits: Jesus demonstrated His authority over the natural world and spiritual realms. He calmed storms (Mark 4:39) and cast out demons (Mark 1:27), showcasing His power over creation and spiritual forces. In Mark 1:27 , the people exclaimed, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."

3. Authority to Forgive Sins: Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins, a prerogative of God alone, which underscored His divine identity. In Mark 2:10 , Jesus declares, "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home."

4. Authority over Life and Death: Jesus' authority extends to life and death, as demonstrated in His resurrection and His power to grant eternal life. In John 10:18 , Jesus states, "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father."

5. Commissioning Authority: Before His ascension, Jesus conferred authority upon His disciples to continue His mission. In Matthew 28:18-20 , He declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

Intercession of Jesus

The intercessory role of Jesus is a profound aspect of His ministry, emphasizing His ongoing work on behalf of believers. As the Great High Priest, Jesus intercedes for humanity, bridging the gap between God and man.

1. High Priestly Intercession: Jesus' intercession is rooted in His role as the High Priest, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

2. Advocate with the Father: Jesus acts as an advocate for believers, pleading their case before the Father. In 1 John 2:1 , it is written, "My little children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

3. Intercession in the Spirit: Jesus' intercession is also connected with the work of the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for believers in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:34 states, "Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us."

4. Prayer for Believers: Jesus' intercessory prayer is exemplified in John 17, where He prays for His disciples and all future believers. In John 17:20-21 , He prays, "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You."

5. Eternal Intercession: The intercession of Jesus is eternal, ensuring the security and perseverance of believers. His ongoing presence at the right hand of the Father guarantees that His followers are continually upheld by His grace and mercy.