The Authority He Shares with Us

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18: 1-11).

Today we observe one of the most ironic moments in all of history. Judas, a follower of Jesus with circumspect motives along with a large band of soldiers and officers came to arrest Jesus. This group of heavily armed soldiers came with all the authority of “the chief priests and the Pharisees”. They came to place chains on the arms of the Son of God! How could they hope to succeed? The authority of God’s Son is revealed several times during this brief confrontation. While His enemies used their authority to arrest Him, Christ exercised His authority to demonstrate the superiority of His authority. There is a clear revelation here that Jesus Christ is the King above all kings… “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). There is a powerful revelation here of authority under control and in submission to the Father’s perfect will. In the revelation of Jesus’s authority here we see much more than control over His circumstances… “Knowing all that would happen to him…  This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken… Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” We also see a clear demonstration of care and protection for His disciples and even mercy for His enemies. Today we get a glimpse of the authority He shares with us.

Did you know that Christ's disciples have access to His great authority? Jesus gives us authority through His name, a reflection of His personality and character… “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Where do you need to trust and apply His authority today? Do you need heavenly authority over your budget, employment, health, or other circumstance? Do you need Christ’s authority over a broken relationship, failing family ties, or some enemies that oppose your ministry and keep you from pursuing the Lord’s will? Jesus taught His disciples how to trust and exercise His great authority.

With His authority Jesus demonstrated the sovereignty of God. At the simple declaration of His name, Jesus’ enemies fell… “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). With His authority Jesus revealed God’s protection… “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). With His authority Jesus sought to accomplish God’s will, not His own… “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). If we imitate Christ by seeking to reveal God’s sovereignty, trust His protection, and pursue His perfect will through all our circumstances and relationships, we will be covered by Christ’s authority.

As we grow up into Christ surrendering situations and relationships to Him, we come to know…

The Authority He Shares with Us.