Articles
The Authority Of Jesus Christ Over The Church
What is Authority?
When a plane crashes, we often hear that the authorities have been called to investigate. We understand "authorities" to mean those who govern or regulate the air traffic in our country.
When we speak of the authority of Jesus we are talking about His right to rule, govern, and direct in religious matters. To better understand Jesus' authority, I believe it is good to see how Jesus viewed authority.
The book of John gives us a very clear picture of Jesus' attitude toward the authority of God, His Father. From His example we can learn much.
Jesus And The Authority Of God
"Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." John 5:19
What person who ever lived on earth should have the right to change God's will? Jesus comes to mind first as one who might have that right. Yet in this verse we see that Jesus said, "I can of myself do nothing." He means that in His service to His Father He could not act on His own authority. Whatever He saw the Father do, He would do. He would not presume to act in any area without first seeing the Father do the thing.
"I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." John 5:30.
Very often we like to have our own way or change matters to suit our likes. Jesus said that He did not seek His own will but His Father's will. Do you think an attitude like that today would help end some of the religious confusion we have?
"The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." John 8:29
Again, notice the humble, submitting attitude that Jesus shows us. He found favor with God because He submitted in every way to His Father's will.
"But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do." John 14:31
Jesus said that He proved to the world His love for His Father by doing what He commanded. The specific command Jesus refers to here is His death on the cross. To prove His love for the Father, Jesus was willing to face His own death. How eager are we to show our love for the Father? Would we submit so willingly as to die for Him? Would we willingly submit to help breakdown the division that exists today?
What Jesus Expects Of Those Who Follow Him
"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15
If we want to prove our love for Jesus, then we will keep His commandments. Does that mean doing something even though we might think there is a better way? Does that mean following Him even though we might not understand?
Think about Jesus' submission to His Father's authority. Do you think He wanted to die on a cross? The scriptures show us He dreaded it. Do you think He could think of a better way? Perhaps. But Jesus would not have shown love for the Father without submitting to His will.
"If any one loves Me, he will keep My word..." John 14:23. "He who does not love Me does not keep My word..." John 14:24.
Once again we see the importance of submitting to the authority of Jesus. Jesus did not author a cafeteria style religion where one can pick and choose the things He wants to obey. We do not love Jesus when we will not obey His words or choose to change His ways.
"He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." John 12:48
Not obeying or listening to Jesus' words is rejecting Him. We will be judged in the last day based upon those words. Why would we not desire to conform ourselves to the words He revealed to us.
The Authority Of Jesus Christ Over Men
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Matthew 28:18
Jesus could make such a statement because He was "declared to be the Son of God with power ... by the resurrection from the dead." Romans 1:4.
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17.
To do something in Jesus' name means to do that thing with His approval or by His direction. Jesus' authority over us means we only act at His direction.
The Authority Of Jesus Christ Over The Church
Jesus has all authority, granted to Him by His Father in heaven. Our responsibility is to submit to Him and let Him rule in our lives and in our service to Him. Churches are also to submit to His authority. Notice these verses:
Of Jesus, Paul said, "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Ephesians 1: 22,23.
In Acts 20:28, Paul told the Ephesian elders "...to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Jesus bought the church with His blood. Seeing that He "owns" the church since He "bought" it, who are we to tamper with His property?
