Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Authority to Heal

I sense the Holy Spirit urging me to embrace and live out the authority Jesus has given me as a believer! I was at church this morning when the pastor spoke about Christians needing to exercise the authority that Jesus gives us when we accept him as our Savior. He's given us powerful gifts to use for His glory! I had to marvel at God's goodness when I started reading today's passage. In it, Jesus delegates His authority to the disciples to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Isn't God cool like that?

Let's use a modern day example to explain authority a little better. If someone gives you legal power of attorney, this gives you the power to sign documents and make legal decisions on their behalf. They have delegated authority to you. You're not doing things in your name, you're doing it in theirs.

In order to do more and reach more, Jesus delegated authority to the 12 disciples to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Can you imagine having that kind of power? We as believers have authorities and powers given to us by Jesus, to do things in His name. But... we have to actually use that authority. It's like your dad giving you his credit card to buy whatever you need. If you hide it away in a safe or locker and never use it, you're missing out on many blessings.

Questions:

1. Where in your life, or in the life of someone you know, do you need to boldly pray for healing, trusting the authority Jesus has given you?

2. When you pray or act in Jesus’ name, do you approach it with the confidence of someone who knows they’ve been given His authority? Why or why not?

3. How would your faith life look different if you fully believed and stepped into the authority Jesus has delegated to you?