Power and Authority

From the outset of His ministry, Jesus demonstrated that He had complete authority over Satan and every demonic force. He demonstrated this mastery after being tempted by Satan in the wilderness.

After these temptations, He was confronted by a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” Demonstrating His complete authority, Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

Hearing about the miracles from His ministry, people from all around “began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.” Jesus healed the sick and “cast out many demons.” He did not permit the demons to speak. They wanted to disrupt His ministry, but He controlled them, placing strict limits on their activities.

It is exciting to realize that we, as His followers, have the same power and authority as Jesus displayed in His own life. He gave His disciples “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness” (Matthew 10:1).

Jesus told them, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

Whether we realize it or not, as Jesus’ disciples we have the same power and authority as He had. We don’t need to fear Satan or his demons. Instead, we can be confident and bold: declaring God’s promises…binding Satan’s power…freeing the captives…and healing the sick.

This is the Lord’s offer for every Believer. We aren’t victims, but victors—endowed with the very power of God.