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. 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 realm. In Mark 4:39-41 , Jesus calms a storm, and His disciples marvel, "Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" Similarly, in Mark 1:27 , after Jesus commands an unclean spirit to depart, the people are amazed and say, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."

3. Authority to Forgive Sins: Jesus' authority to forgive sins is a profound aspect of His divine identity. In Mark 2:5-12 , Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic, prompting the scribes to question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus responds by healing the man, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins on earth.

4. Authority over Life and Death: Jesus claims authority over life and death, as seen in John 10:17-18 , where He states, "The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. 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."

Relationship with the Father

The relationship between Jesus and the Father is characterized by unity, love, and mutual glorification. This relationship is foundational to understanding Jesus' mission and His divine nature.

1. Unity with the Father: Jesus frequently speaks of His unity with the Father. In John 10:30 , He declares, "I and the Father are one." This statement underscores the profound unity and shared essence between Jesus and the Father, a unity that is both relational and ontological.

2. Obedience and Submission: Jesus' relationship with the Father is marked by perfect obedience and submission. In John 5:19 , Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does." This reflects Jesus' commitment to fulfilling the Father's will.

3. Mutual Glorification: The Father and the Son glorify each other. In John 17:1 , Jesus prays, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You." This mutual glorification highlights the divine relationship and the shared purpose in the redemptive plan.

4. Love and Intimacy: The love between the Father and the Son is a recurring theme. In John 3:35 , it is stated, "The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands." This love is foundational to the mission of Jesus and His authority.

5. Revelation of the Father: Jesus reveals the Father to humanity. In John 14:9 , Jesus tells Philip, "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father." Through His life and works, Jesus provides a perfect revelation of the Father's character and will.

The authority of Jesus and His relationship with the Father are integral to understanding His identity and mission. These themes are woven throughout the New Testament, affirming His divinity and the redemptive purpose of His life, death, and resurrection.