Tag: Jesus’ authority

February 7, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Gift of Eternal Life

Opening Verse

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.”
— John 17:2 (KJV)

Introduction

Eternal life is not something we can earn, buy, or achieve on our own. It is a gift given through Jesus Christ. In His prayer to the Father, Jesus makes it clear that He has been given authority over all people, and He alone grants eternal life to those whom the Father has given Him. This is the promise of salvation—one that should fill our hearts with gratitude and urgency.

Devotional Story

A young man struggled with the weight of his past. He had made mistakes, wandered far from the truth, and felt unworthy of God’s love. One day, he came across an old Bible in his grandmother’s house. As he flipped through the pages, he stumbled upon John 17:2.

The words struck him deeply. “That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” He had spent years trying to fix himself, to be “good enough” for God, but now he realized—eternal life wasn’t about his efforts. It was a gift from Jesus, given freely to those who believe.

That night, for the first time in years, he knelt in prayer. He asked Jesus to take control of his life, to lead him, and to cleanse him from his past. A deep peace filled his heart, and he knew—he belonged to Christ.

What This Means

Jesus has the power to grant eternal life, and He freely gives it to those who put their trust in Him. You don’t have to work for it, you don’t have to prove yourself—He has already made the way through His sacrifice on the cross. All you have to do is believe and receive Him.

Think About This

  • Have you fully surrendered to Jesus and received the gift of eternal life?
  • Are you still trying to earn God’s favor, or do you trust in Christ’s finished work?
  • If Jesus has given you eternal life, how are you living in gratitude for that gift?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gift of eternal life. I know that it is not something I can earn, but something You have given through Your sacrifice. Help me to fully trust in You and surrender my life to Your authority. Keep my heart focused on the things of eternity and lead me to share this good news with others. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
— 1 John 5:11 (KJV)

September 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Jesus Spoke with Authority

Opening Verse

“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:22, KJV)

Introduction

When Jesus spoke, it wasn’t just the words that moved people, but the authority behind them. His words carried power, truth, and life. Unlike the teachers of His day, who relied on tradition or interpretation, Jesus spoke directly, as if He had the final say—and indeed, He did. What does it mean that Jesus spoke with authority, and how does that affect us spiritually today?

Devotional Story

Imagine a courtroom, where the judge stands up and speaks. Everyone in the room knows that what the judge says will shape the final outcome. In that moment, his word is law. Now, picture the difference between someone who explains the law and someone who has the authority to make it. This is how Jesus spoke—not as someone explaining God’s laws, but as the one who created and fulfilled them.

When Jesus rebuked the winds and they obeyed, when He cast out demons with just a word, and when He healed the sick by speaking, people witnessed His authority firsthand. They marveled because no one had ever seen such power combined with such love and compassion. His authority didn’t come from human sources but from His identity as the Son of God.

What This Means

Spiritually, this truth has deep implications for us. Jesus’ authority means His word is final in every area of our lives. When He says that our sins are forgiven, they are. When He declares that we are free, we are free indeed. When He calls us to follow Him, it’s not a suggestion but a command that carries eternal significance.

Understanding Jesus’ authority should fill us with confidence. If He is the one who holds the authority over life and death, over sin and forgiveness, then we can trust Him with our lives. We are not just following good advice; we are submitting to the ultimate authority of the universe.

Think About This

Are there areas of your life where you’ve heard the words of Jesus but treated them as optional? Perhaps it’s in how you love others, forgive those who have hurt you, or trust God’s plan when it’s unclear. If Jesus has authority over all, then His words are not merely suggestions—they are the foundation of how we should live.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking with authority, not only over the world but over my life. Help me to take Your words seriously and live in obedience to Your commands. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your authority, especially when I don’t understand. Teach me to live under Your rule with joy and peace. In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18, KJV)