The Authority of Jesus
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Being an RA. Given authority over students in the dorm. Wasn’t always respected. Even my own teammates hated it. When I exercised that authority, it was typically met with hostility and anger.
Need: We do not like authority being exercised over us. Don’t like “you can’t do that.” Some people have been given authority and we still don’t recognize it. Teachers being disrespected by parents and students. Freedom has lulled us into thinking we have the authority. We’re this way with God, but not as open about it. Sin is simply me saying “I have the authority.” The Bible gives no room for this. We will see that Jesus has ultimate authority.
Main Idea: Jesus has ultimate authority
Capernaum in Galilee. Fishing town. Peter is from there.
Luke 4:31-37
Truth #1: Jesus teaches with authority (31-32)
Exp. Goes to Capernaum. Just as he did in Nazareth, he teaches in synagogue. Jews were there. On the Sabbath. Verse 31-32. Astonished = amazed. Possessed = to be. Not confused with demon possessed man. Authority = power to make a decision. He spoke as if he could speak and decide on behalf of God. Speaking in a way the priests didn’t speak. Must have been much different.
Ill. College freshman. Taking charge. Made fun of. Who died and put him in charge? This is the idea. Jesus is speaking as if he is in charge and they are amazed at it.
Arg. Why was it so authoritative? Goes back to what Simeon told Mary earlier in Luke. Luke 2:34-35
34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Jesus speaking continued to reveal the hearts of man. This is why his words often brought joy or anger. Nobody was indifferent. When God’s people encounter God’s Word, they are cut to the heart.
6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Christ - Jesus is the Word of God. Word made flesh. Not only speaking words from OT, every word he says is a Word from God. Authority in manner, but also substance. That’s why people are awed. His words lead to life. John 3:16.
App. Obey his Word
His word cuts to the heart. Reveals the depths of our sin.
His word brings life. Gives hope for restoration.
His word is true. We can bank on it.
Truth #2: Jesus displays his authority (33-37)
Exp. After he speaks a demon possessed man comes in. Verse 33-34. Uses demon because his use of spirit is always positive. He knows who Jesus is. Three main things the demon says:
What have you to do with us? - What’s between us? What business do we have? Common question.
Have you come to destroy us? - Jesus hasn’t said anything about this yet.
I know who you are — The Holy One of God - The demon knows who Jesus is before the humans do. James 2:19. Their question actually declares his purpose: the destruction of the demonic realm.
Ill. Like the opposing team asking “You here to beat us?” YES! You nailed it. Jesus came to destroy them.
8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Exp. Then Jesus speaks to them. Verse 35. Jesus’ response has two commands. Be silent and come out of him. Then the demon obeys. Jesus doesn’t call on God to do it. The authority is his. Verse 36. Was it something he said? No, the people still don’t quite understand. First miracle is an exorcism. Shows his first priority.
Arg. Dualism = good and evil are locked in an equal battle. Movies attest to this. Jesus proves no such reality exists. The demon can’t fight back. He both stays silent and leaves the man.
Christ - Christ defeats the demonic forces not by removing the demons from everyone, but by sealing believers with the HS. After ascension, sends HS into the hearts of believers. Ephesians 5, Paul writes to be filled with HS. Sealed.
App. Understand Jesus will remove the evil from the world.
Trust in Jesus’ authority. Jesus says he has been given authority in Matthew 28:18.
Obey in Jesus’ authority. The demons obey his authority. How much more should his believers?
Conclusion
With his authority, Jesus commands his disciples to go. Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We don’t go anywhere without that authority.
