The Authority of The Divine Power for Miraculous Works
Published on June 7, 2024
The authority given to Jesus' disciples to cast out demons, raise the dead, heal the sick, and perform other miraculous works is a profound aspect of their mission. This authority is rooted in Jesus' own divine power and His commissioning of the disciples. Understanding how this authority operates involves exploring its theological basis and practical implications as described in the New Testament.
The Theological Basis of Authority
1. **Divine Mandate**:
The authority given to the disciples is not of human origin but comes directly from Jesus, who has been given all authority by God the Father. This divine mandate is essential for understanding the nature of their power. Jesus explicitly states in Matthew 28:18 that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." By extension, the authority He imparts to His disciples is an extension of His own divine authority.
2. **Empowerment by the Holy Spirit**:
The New Testament frequently links the disciples' ability to perform miracles with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) empowers the disciples to carry out their mission with divine power.
3. **Faith and Obedience**:
Faith and obedience to Jesus' commandments are crucial for exercising this authority. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in performing miracles, as seen in passages like Matthew 17:20, where He says, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Practical Implications of the Disciples' Authority
1. **Casting Out Demons**:
The authority to cast out demons is prominently featured in Jesus' ministry and is directly transferred to His disciples. In Matthew 10:1, it is written, "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness." This authority over unclean spirits demonstrates Jesus' dominion over the spiritual realm and His power to liberate individuals from demonic oppression.
2. **Healing the Sick**:
Healing the sick is a tangible expression of the coming of God's kingdom. Jesus' healing miracles serve as signs of God's compassion and power, and He commissions His disciples to continue this work. The authority to heal is a manifestation of the in-breaking of God's kingdom, which brings restoration and wholeness. This healing is often accompanied by the proclamation of the Gospel, as seen in Luke 9:2, where Jesus sends the disciples to "proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."
3. **Raising the Dead**:
The authority to raise the dead is perhaps the most dramatic demonstration of divine power, signifying victory over death itself. Instances such as the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:21-43) and Lazarus (John 11) highlight the power of Jesus' authority over life and death. When the disciples are given this authority, it underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
4. **Freely Received, Freely Given**:
The directive "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8) emphasizes that the authority and power bestowed upon the disciples are gifts of grace. They are to use this authority selflessly and generously, mirroring Jesus' own ministry. This principle ensures that their actions are motivated by love and service, not personal gain or ambition.
Conclusion
The authority given to Jesus' disciples to cast out demons, raise the dead, and heal the sick is a profound testament to the divine nature of their mission. Rooted in Jesus' own authority and empowered by the Holy Spirit, this miraculous power serves to advance the kingdom of God on earth. Through faith, obedience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the disciples are able to perform works that testify to the reality of God's kingdom and the transformative power of the Gospel. This authority is both a responsibility and a privilege, calling the disciples to continue Jesus' mission with the assurance of His presence and power.