What Jesus Did! 'Authority!' — Luke 9:1-2

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

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One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
— Luke 9:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

Power, or "the right and authority to powerfully act" as the Greek word more appropriately means, is something that belongs to Jesus. It is his because of his work in creating and sustaining the universe. It is his because of his loving obedience and sacrifice to redeem us on the cross. It is his because of his resurrection from the dead. All authority is his [1] — to use, to command, and to give. Any authority we have is based on the Lord Jesus' graciously giving it to us, and that truth takes any sense of selfish pride or arrogance from us. To Jesus belong the glory and the power for any good thing we accomplish and for any debilitating thing banished from the lives of those in bondage. So let us seek him and not seek power for its own sake. In honoring him, we will find ourselves useful to others and a blessing to the Kingdom of God no matter how he chooses to use us or to empower us by his authority.

[1] Matthew 28:18.

Today's Prayer

Father God, thank you for your Son. To you and to your Son belong all honor, glory, wisdom, authority, and power. I offer myself to you as your servant. Use me in whatever way most brings you glory and most blesses your work and your people. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:15-20
  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • Romans 1:2-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:1-2 NLT — Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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