Jesus exercised authority over nature (Mark 4:39), illness (Matthew 8:3), and death (John 11:43). He also exercised spiritual authority—He forgave sins, which drew controversy because only God can forgive (Mark 2:10–11). That is why Jesus came! “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17). After the resurrection, He declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
Scripture places unparalleled authority on His words and actions (Matthew 7:29). Thus it makes sense that to follow Jesus means that everything we do must be done “in the name of”—by the authority of—Jesus (Colossians 3:17).
Understanding Christ’s authority affects daily life: His commands shape ethics, His promises give hope, and His lordship determines allegiance. To follow Jesus is to submit to the words of the King, and to give Him rule over your life.
