The Power of Jesus’ Words
Introduction
In Luke 4:32 (NLT), we read, "There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority." The Greek term for "authority" here is "ἐξουσία" (exousia), which encompasses both power and legitimate right. This blog examines the profound implications of this authority as demonstrated by Jesus and how we, as believers, can harness the same power through our words.
Understanding "Exousia"
The term "exousia" in the New Testament signifies more than just the ability to act; it includes the legitimate right and power to do so. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, who relied on tradition and the authority of other teachers, Jesus spoke with inherent authority that amazed His listeners. This authority extended to various aspects of His ministry, including performing miracles, forgiving sins, and commanding unclean spirits.
Jesus’ Authority in Teaching and Miracles
Teaching with Authority
Matthew 7:28-29 (NLT): “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.”
Mark 1:27 (NLT): “Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. ‘What sort of new teaching is this?’ they asked excitedly. ‘It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders.’”
These passages highlight the distinctiveness of Jesus' teaching. His authority was recognized not just in His words but also in the power behind them.
Miraculous Acts of Authority
Calming the Storm (Mark 4:39 NLT): “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.”
Raising Lazarus (John 11:43-44 NLT): “Then Jesus shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, ‘Unwrap him and let him go!’”
Healing the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:8-13 NLT): The centurion believed that Jesus could heal his servant with a word, and Jesus commended his faith and healed the servant from a distance.
Cursing the Fig Tree (Mark 11:14, 20-21 NLT): Jesus cursed a fig tree, and it withered, demonstrating His authority over nature.
These examples underscore the multifaceted nature of Jesus' authority, showing that creation, life, death, and illness all responded to His commands.
The Kenosis of Jesus
In Philippians 2:7-9 (TLB), it is explained that Jesus “laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.” This concept, known as kenosis, means Jesus voluntarily refrained from using His divine attributes independently. His miracles and authoritative acts were performed through the Holy Spirit, not His divine privileges, setting an example for us.
The Authority Given to Believers
John 14:12-14 (NLT): Jesus promised that anyone who believes in Him would do the same works He did, and even greater ones. This promise includes the authority to ask for anything in His name, with the assurance that He will do it.
Acts 10:38 (NLT): Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil.
Applying Authority in Our Lives
As believers, we are called to exercise the authority given to us through Jesus. This involves speaking with authority over our circumstances, just as Jesus did. Here are practical ways to apply this:
Speaking to Situations
Calm in the Storm: In times of trouble, speak peace and calm, emulating Jesus' command to the storm.
Healing: Declare healing over illness in Jesus' name, believing in the power of His authority.
Protection: Pray for divine protection and command harm to stay away, as seen in the example of speaking against storms.
Example of Exercising Authority
My wife and I once faced a severe storm producing tornadoes. We spoke against the storm, declaring no damage to our property and divine protection. After the storm, while the neighborhood experienced extensive damage, our home remained virtually untouched. This demonstrated the effectiveness of speaking with authority.
Conclusion
The authority of Jesus, as described in Luke 4:32, extends beyond His earthly ministry. It is a spiritual law emphasizing the power of words. By understanding and exercising this authority, we can enact divine will in our lives, demonstrating faith and the transformative power of spoken words. As believers, let us embrace this authority, speak boldly, and witness the manifestation of God's power in our daily lives.
References
(New Living Translation Bible, 1996)
(New King James Version, 1982)
(Amplified Classic 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987, 2015)