Authority of Christ

The authority of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting His divine nature and His role in the redemptive plan of God. Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, possesses inherent authority over all creation. This authority is evident in His teachings, miracles, and His power over life and death.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18). This statement follows His resurrection, underscoring His victory over sin and death and His sovereign rule over the universe. Christ's authority is not self-assumed but granted by the Father, highlighting the divine order and purpose.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated authority in various ways. He taught with authority, unlike the scribes (Matthew 7:29), and exercised authority over demons, sickness, and nature (Mark 1:27, Luke 8:25). His authority extended to the forgiveness of sins, as seen in the healing of the paralytic: "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (Mark 2:10).

Submission to God

Despite His divine authority, Christ exemplified perfect submission to the will of God the Father. This submission is a profound aspect of His incarnation and mission. Jesus consistently sought to fulfill the Father's will, as He stated, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4:34).

The ultimate expression of Christ's submission is found in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This prayer reveals His willingness to endure the cross, in obedience to the Father's redemptive plan.

Philippians 2:6-8 further illustrates Christ's humility and submission: "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . This passage highlights the paradox of Christ's authority and His voluntary submission for the sake of humanity's salvation.

Interplay of Authority and Submission

The relationship between Christ's authority and His submission to God is a profound mystery that reflects the unity and diversity within the Godhead. Jesus' authority is exercised in perfect harmony with His submission, demonstrating the divine order and purpose. His life and ministry reveal that true authority is exercised in obedience to God and in service to others.

In John 5:19, Jesus explains, "Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does" . This statement underscores the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, where Christ's authority is exercised in complete alignment with the Father's will.

The authority and submission of Christ serve as a model for believers, calling them to live in obedience to God and to exercise their God-given authority in service and humility. Through Christ's example, believers are encouraged to submit to God's will, trusting in His sovereign plan and purpose.