Understanding Authority

Understanding Authority

Read: Matthew 8:5-13

The centurion replied, “. . . just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. . . .” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said . . . ,“I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

Matthew 8:8-10

“God doesn’t give kingdom authority to rebels.”

—Adrian Rogers

IN WORD Jesus promised His disciples authority (Luke 10:19). He said all authority had been given to Him, and He instructed His followers to use it. So why, in our prayer and service, do we experience so little power?

The centurion knows the key. He identifies himself as a man first and foremost under authority. Only then does he identify his own influence. His command over others has a prerequisite—his submission to a higher command.

If you wonder where to find the authority Jesus has given His people, examine your submission to His authority over you. Are you obedient? Even—or especially—in the small things? If not, understand the principles of authority. The authority of an ambassador flows from his compliance with his home government. The influence of a vice president flows from his consistency with his president. An employee is only authorized to act in the interests of his employer. It is no coincidence that Jesus was obedient unto death (Philippians 2:8) and that His ministry was so incredibly powerful.

IN DEED The kingdom authority that Jesus offers to His believers appeals to us when it is the authority we can exercise in our prayers and service over powers of darkness and evil influences. But authority is a two-sided coin, and we find far less appeal to Jesus’ command over us. We call Him Lord, but find His lordship difficult, especially in what we consider “minor” matters of obedience. But the minor matters make a major difference. You will find that your experience of power over the enemy directly correlates to your experience of Jesus’ power over you.