Jesus Christ, authority of

The right of Jesus Christ to speak and act on his Father's behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising eternal life to those who believe in him.

Jesus Christ's authority underlines his divine status

John 8:28 See also John 8:58, John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 2:10

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.

The origin of Jesus Christ's authority

It is given by God the Father

John 3:35 See also Matthew 28:18; Luke 10:22; John 5:26–27, John 7:16, John 10:18, John 12:49–50, John 17:2

The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands.

It is limited by the Father

Mark 10:40 See also Matthew 24:36 parallel Mark 13:32; Philippians 2:6–8

But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

It is questioned by others

Matthew 12:24–28 parallels Mark 3:22–26, Luke 11:15–20 See also Matthew 21:23–27 parallels Mark 11:27–33, Luke 20:1–8; John 2:18

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his works

The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his teaching

Jesus Christ claims authority for his own words

Luke 4:18 See also Matthew 5:21–22, Matthew 5:27–28, Matthew 12:41–42, Matthew 17:5 parallels Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35; Mark 2:5, Mark 2:10, Mark 8:38, Mark 10:15 The use of the phrase “I tell you the truth” emphasises Jesus Christ's authority; Mark 13:26, Mark 13:31; John 4:24–26, John 6:63, John 7:15–18, John 12:48–50, John 13:13, John 14:6 The “I am” sayings in John's Gospel emphasise the divine nature of Jesus Christ's authority; John 15:3

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,

His authority is recognised by others

Matthew 7:28–29 See also Matthew 22:33, Matthew 22:46; Mark 1:22, Mark 1:27 parallel Luke 4:32

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.

His authority is questioned and opposed by others

Matthew 26:65–68; Luke 4:28–30

Jesus Christ delegates his authority to others

His followers preach in his name

Matthew 10:7, Matthew 28:18–20

His followers continue his works

Matthew 10:1 parallels Mark 6:7, Luke 9:1–2; Matthew 10:8; Mark 3:15, Mark 6:13, Mark 16:17–18; Luke 10:1–12; John 14:12; Acts 3:6, Acts 3:16

His followers pronounce his forgiveness and judgment

Matthew 18:18; Mark 6:11; Luke 22:28–30; John 20:22–23; 1 Corinthians 6:2–3

The results of Jesus Christ's authority

He receives honour and glory

John 5:22–23 See also John 11:4, John 17:5

Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.