We all have someone that has authority over us, whether we want to admit it or not. Most of us have a boss. Some of you may live at home and are still under the authority of your parents. But even if you are one having authority, you most likely are subject to someone. The CEO’s of the largest corporations in America are typically subject to their shareholders and/or the board of directors.
Even the President of the United States of America is subject to impeachment by Congress and Presidents are always subject to the electoral vote. We are all subject to the authority of someone else. But there is One is not subject to any other authority and that is Jesus Christ.
Yes, Jesus did the will of God the Father when He walked this earth 2,000 years ago, but Jesus now sits at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus is coming back as the Lion of Judah. He is coming back with full authority and He doesn’t answer to anyone.
But even when Jesus walked this earth, He spoke as One having authority. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:13-29).
The people who heard Jesus speak were astounded because He spoke as one having authority. Jesus spoke as one having authority because He did and does have authority. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6).
Not only did Jesus speak as one having authority, He also had and still has authority over us. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:3). Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him (Colossians 1:12-16).
All things (including us human beings) are created by Him and for Him. He has authority over us. He is Lord of all, whether you admit and acknowledge it or not. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:32-36).
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords (Revelation 19:15-16).
Jesus spoke with authority because He has that authority. Our Lord is the only One who suffered, bled and died for guilty sinners. He’s the only One who came to save His people from their sins. He’s the only One who perfectly kept the 10 Commandments, thereby fulfilling the Law. He is the only One who can take away your sins. He is the only One who shed His precious blood to cleanse you of your unrighteousness. Only Jesus saves.
That’s why we come out here week after week, to share the Good News with you – Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Oh, He is the One having authority. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Do you know Him? Have you repented and put your faith in Jesus (Acts 20:21)? Have you surrendered your life to our blessed Lord? Have you denied yourself, picked up your cross and followed Him? Are you saved?
I ask these questions because many people proclaim Jesus Christ with their lips, but their heart is still far from him. Jesus cannot be your Savior if He is not your Lord? Have you bowed your knee to Him and confessed with your tongue that He is Lord? Have you submitted your life to His Lordship? Have you surrendered your all to Him? All to Jesus, I surrender; humbly at His feet I bow. Can you say these words with it being true? Have you come to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you a born-again believer? Jesus said that you must be born again in order to even see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Jesus also said Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Oh, are you saved tonight? Do you know Jesus Christ the Lord?
Does He know you? Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity (Luke 13:24-27).
Does the Lord know you? Are you saved? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Timothy 2:22-26).
I ask you again, does the Lord know you? Have you departed from your sins? Have you traded in your youthful lusts for righteousness, faith and love? Did you catch where the apostle Paul talks about repentance? God’s word is sharper than any two-edged sword. It can pierce your hard heart tonight. God can reveal your sinful heart to you and show you His Holiness. You can be saved through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Come to Jesus tonight. Confess and forsake your sins. Stop worshiping yourself and others. Jesus is the One in authority. Worship Him. Submit to His Lordship. Do this tonight and be saved.
Please listen to what the author and finisher of our faith said in Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus commanded us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. He also said, if you love Me, keep my commandments. Oh, Jesus has all authority. He is the supreme Ruler. He is One who saves. Turn from your sins and turn to the Savior. Jesus came to save His people from their sins. You can be one of His people. You can be saved. Repent and trust Jesus. Do this tonight and be saved. Then abide in the One who has authority.
(This message was proclaimed on the square in downtown Springfield, MO on October 16, 2015)