In what ways can we recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in our lives? Authority Revealed in a Single Sentence “ When Jesus said, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” (John 18:6) Recognizing Jesus’ Authority • Acknowledge His divine identity. John 18:6 echoes Exodus 3:14; Jesus claims the covenant name “I AM,” and creation responds. • See every word of Scripture as His voice (John 10:27). • Remember that all authority in heaven and on earth has already been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). • Realize that every knee will bow—voluntarily now or inevitably later (Philippians 2:10-11). Practical Ways to Submit • Daily surrender your plans: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • Obey the commands you already know (John 14:15). • Stay teachable under church leadership He has appointed (Hebrews 13:17). • Align every decision with His revealed moral standards (Psalm 119:9). • Confess sin quickly; resistance breaks fellowship (1 John 1:9). • Serve others sacrificially, reflecting His servant-king model (Mark 10:45). • Speak and act under His name and for His glory (Colossians 3:17). Scripture Snapshots That Reinforce Submission • Colossians 1:16-18 — All things were created by Him and for Him; He must hold first place. • Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” • James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” • Hebrews 12:28 — We receive an unshakable kingdom, so we offer acceptable worship with reverence and awe. Living Under the Weight of “I AM” When the armed crowd met Jesus, sheer words flattened them. The same Christ stands before us through His Spirit and His Word. Recognizing and submitting to His authority means bowing heart, mind, and will—every day—before the One whose presence still makes the strongest fall. |
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