All Authority

In the time leading up to Easter one of the things discussed was the events of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There was the cursing of the fig tree for looking like it was good for fruit when there was none, and the obtaining of the colt by the disciples. Living in the Midwest, our church members know a thing or two about livestock. In our discussion of these events it was mentioned that this event was a miracle in itself. In Mark’s telling Jesus says, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” (verse 11:2 NIV) Matthew’s account goes into more detail identifying the colt as a donkey. (verse 21:2) Well, if you don’t know anything about young, unbroke donkeys, they do not let you lead them anywhere they don’t feel like going, especially by a stranger. This, and the fig tree withering overnight, inspired me to see how Jesus was revealing his authority over all things. Going back to the six days of creation do we see Jesus display power over all the things established in the beginning?

When the earth is first revealed in Genesis, the Spirit of God is over the waters. Interesting then that Jesus’ first miracle also begins with water; the wedding at Cana he turns water into wine for the banquet feast. (John 2:7) Then later, just as the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the waters in the creation account, Matthew 14:25 shows how Jesus hovers over the water in physical form. This is when he walks on the lake to his disciples who went on ahead of him in the boat.

On day 2 God made the firmament, “God called the vault ‘sky.'” (Genesis 1:8 NIV) What do we see Jesus do with this aspect of creation? He quiets the wind and storm, as recorded in Matthew 8: 26-27 and Mark 4:39-41.

When it comes to creatures of the seas, we see Jesus on a few occasion to cast their nets again after an unfruitful fishing trip only to have their catch be almost too much for them. An event he repeats after his resurrection so the disciples would recognize it was him. Then in Matthew 17:27 Jesus send Peter to the lake, and says the first fish he catches will have a coin in its mouth so they can pay the temple tax.

The creatures of the air presents an interesting investigation. All four gospel accounts tell of how when Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended upon him as a dove. Then I looked at Jesus clearing the temple in Mark 11:15-17. In my mind’s eye I see Jesus letting the birds being sold go free with them having a sudden urge for migrating. This way they would not be easily recaptured by the people turning the Lord’s house into a marketplace.

I already mentioned the authority shown over vegetation and livestock in the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Also, time and again he showed his power over life itself with his miraculous healings, even from death. Then Matthew documents in 27:45-51 Jesus’ authority over two other aspects of creation in his final hours. As Jesus hung on the cross, the darkness that began to shadow over him also shadowed the sun as it hung in the sky above him. Then, as his spirit broke from his earthly body, the earth broke open as well. After this deep dive, I would say that all the boxes from creation get checked.

What I realized, in this line of investigation, was that for a long portion of my life I had Jesus relegated to a box labeled “Savior.” In my limited thinking I viewed him as my avenue for forgiveness; being the atonement for sin. Meanwhile giving all other aspects of my faith to God the Father. In diminishing Jesus’ role I was closing myself off to some true wisdom. Effectively, it was like reducing a lion to the status of a domesticated house cat. However, to borrow a line from C.S. Lewis, Jesus is “not like a tame lion.” He is the mighty Lion of Judah and King of kings.

For God [Father] was pleased to have all his fullness [Spirit] dwell in him, [Jesus] and through him [Jesus] to reconcile everything to himself, [Father] whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, [Jesus] shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NIV

Jesus is the firstborn of the new covenant kingdom of God. The firstborn meaning he has been given the inheritance of authority over ALL things. We have been commissioned by him and are sharing in that inheritance. That is how the apostles did their miracles in Jesus’ name, and what we are called to do as well. We are commanded to go into all the world, empowered under the name of him who the entire inheritance of creation is given, Jesus, and be his disciples. Do you have Jesus in a “Savior” box and diminish the power he holds? Open up to all he wants for you.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18