Jesus Gave Them Authority

by Hugh DeLong

"Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness" (Matthew 10:1).

"These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: 'Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans'" (Matthew 10:5).

On a later occasion, when Jesus was explaining how things were going to work, Peter corrected Him (Matthew 16:21-23 - read this again and think about it!). As we read this chapter, would you have come up with a better plan? Not get paid? Not go to anyone but Jewish people. Don’t take any extra clothes. Really?

Jesus ‘gave them’ authority – the right, the privilege, the duty to accomplish what He wanted in the way He determined. So it still is. He didn’t give us the right to make things up, to change how things are supposed to be done, to change what would be taught.

In just a few chapters, we see this applied to their thinking. Seeing Jesus transfigured, and Moses and Elijah appearing to Him – Peter lets everyone, including Jesus, know what they should then do: make three tabernacles – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
God then spoke decisively: "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). So it is with us! We need to listen. Are you?