The Authority of Christ Today
Posted by Pastor Pat on June 16, 2009
“And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs,
and gave them authority over the unclean spirits”(Mark 6:7).
The word used for “authority” is the word used to describe a person whose position gives them the power to act and order. Mark uses the word “authority” nine times. Jesus taught as one having authority (Mark 1:22). He exercised “power” over demons (Mark 1:27). In healing the sick Jesus revealed His power over sin and its consequences (Mark 2:10). It is this same transfer of “authority” He gave to the twelve disciples (Mark 3:15; 6:7). The power exhibited by Jesus Christ was evident to all; from where this power came was openly questioned (Mark 11:27-33). The religious establishment desired to assign its source to Satan. Jesus openly refuted such blatant error.
There is a parable unique to Mark in Mark 13:28-37. In the parable our Lord speaks of the time when He will be physically absent from the work. Verse 34 continues the thought found in Mark 3:15 and 6:7 where authority is given to His servants in His absence. It is through His people that His presence is continued. It is because of this authority transfer that His people are able to go into all the world and call everyone, everywhere to repentance and faith in Christ. It is the same idea contained in Matthew 28:18 where Jesus is described as having been given all authority in heaven and in earth.
