What other scriptures support Jesus' authority as seen in John 8:13? Backdrop of John 8:13 • The Pharisees objected: “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not valid.” • Their challenge centers on authority—Who gave Jesus the right to speak for God? Jesus’ Immediate Defense (John 8:14-18) • “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going.” • He cites: – His heavenly origin and destination (v. 14) – The Father as corroborating witness (v. 18) – Fulfillment of the Law’s “two-witness” standard (v. 17) Old Testament Foreshadowing His Authority • Isaiah 9:6—“The government will be upon His shoulders… Mighty God.” • Deuteronomy 18:18-19—“I will put My words in his mouth… I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen.” • Psalm 2:6-8—“I have installed My King on Zion… I will make the nations Your inheritance.” • Daniel 7:13-14—The Son of Man receives “dominion, glory, and kingship… His kingdom … will never be destroyed.” Authority Evident in His Teaching • Matthew 7:28-29—“He taught as one who had authority.” • Mark 1:27—“A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits.” • Luke 4:32—“His message had authority.” • John 12:49-50—“I have not spoken on My own… His command leads to eternal life.” Authority Declared by Jesus • Matthew 28:18—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • John 5:19-23—The Father “has assigned all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father.” • John 17:2—The Father “granted Him authority over all humanity.” Authority Demonstrated through Signs • Mark 2:10-12—Healing the paralytic “so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” • John 2:11—First sign at Cana “revealed His glory.” • John 11:43-44—Raising Lazarus shows command over life and death. Divine Testimony • Matthew 3:17—Voice from heaven: “This is My beloved Son.” • John 5:37—“The Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me.” • John 15:26—The Spirit “will testify about Me.” • Romans 1:4—Declared “Son of God by His resurrection from the dead.” Apostolic Confirmation • Acts 2:36—“God has made this Jesus… both Lord and Christ.” • Acts 10:42—Appointed “to judge the living and the dead.” • Philippians 2:9-11—Every knee bows; every tongue confesses Jesus as Lord. • Colossians 1:15-17—“In Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.” Ultimate Cosmic Authority • Revelation 1:17-18—“I am the First and the Last… I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.” • Revelation 5:12—The Lamb is “worthy… to receive power.” • Revelation 19:16—Name written: “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Takeaway for Today Scripture—prophecy, Gospel record, divine voice, apostolic witness, and future vision—speaks with one harmonious voice: Jesus’ authority is complete, unquestionable, and eternally secured by the Father. The challenge of John 8:13 only serves to spotlight the overwhelming, multi-layered testimony that validates the Lord we follow. |
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