The Basis of Jesus’ Authority
Before Jesus began His ministry, He had been baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, acknowledged by God the Father – then He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted forty days and forty nights. Jesus passed those tests by quoting God’s word, overcoming the devil. Then He made His way to Nazareth, His hometown.
(NASB) Luke 4:16-17 “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.
17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it is written,
(NIV) Luke 4:18-19 “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 freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
(NASB) Luke 4:20-21 “And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21 And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ ”
Jesus’ authority came from God the Father and from Scriptural prophecy.
Jesus had the authority to withstand the devil.
Jesus is the Author of my salvation. He came to fulfill what He purposed to do – He was anointed of God to preach and invite those who say ‘I need You.’
Jesus was sent to proclaim your freedom from sin (and we all have been ‘captured’ by sin).
He was sent to give recovered sight to those who have been blinded to their need of God.
He was sent to set free those who were oppressed, enslaved by sin. My friend, Scripture is talking about you and me.
He has authority to do what He was sent to do!
Are you living as if He is your authority?