Topical Encyclopedia
The power of Jesus' will is a profound theme that permeates the New Testament, illustrating His divine authority and purpose. This power is evident in His ability to command nature, heal the sick, forgive sins, and ultimately, to lay down His life and take it up again. Each instance of Jesus exercising His will serves as a testament to His divine nature and His mission on earth.
Authority Over NatureOne of the most striking demonstrations of Jesus' will is His authority over the natural world. In the account of Jesus calming the storm, we see His command over the elements: "He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Silence! Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm" (
Mark 4:39). This event not only reveals His power over creation but also His ability to bring peace and order out of chaos, reflecting His divine sovereignty.
Healing and MiraclesJesus' will is also manifest in His miraculous healings. His encounters with the sick and afflicted demonstrate His compassion and authority. In
Matthew 8:2-3, a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing. Be clean!" and immediately the leprosy is cleansed. This interaction highlights Jesus' willingness to heal and His power to do so, underscoring His role as the Great Physician.
Forgiveness of SinsThe power of Jesus' will extends to the spiritual realm, particularly in His authority to forgive sins. In the account of the paralytic lowered through the roof, Jesus declares, "Son, your sins are forgiven" (
Mark 2:5). This pronouncement, met with skepticism by the religious leaders, is followed by a demonstration of His authority: "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (
Mark 2:10). Jesus then heals the paralytic, affirming His divine prerogative to forgive and His power to restore.
The Willing SacrificeThe ultimate expression of Jesus' will is found in His sacrificial death and resurrection. In
John 10:17-18, Jesus 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 declaration reveals the voluntary nature of His sacrifice and His sovereign control over life and death. His resurrection is the definitive demonstration of His power, confirming His victory over sin and death.
Submission to the Father's WillDespite His divine authority, Jesus consistently submits His will to that of the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the impending crucifixion, He prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (
Matthew 26:39). This submission underscores the unity of purpose within the Trinity and highlights the redemptive plan of God, accomplished through the obedience of the Son.
ConclusionThe power of Jesus' will is a central aspect of His ministry and mission. Through His authority over nature, His healing miracles, His forgiveness of sins, and His willing sacrifice, Jesus reveals His divine nature and His purpose to redeem humanity. His submission to the Father's will further exemplifies His role as the obedient Son, fulfilling the divine plan of salvation.