The Secret of Jesus’ Authority

What was the actual secret of Jesus’ authority?

It wasn’t the loud, shouting voice of someone sweeping across the stage, cloak billowing in his wake. It wasn’t repetitive phrases meant to drum content into the heads of the listeners. There was no ostentatious scenery, no shifting spotlights. Instead, it is said of Him, “He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street” (Isa 42:2).

Jesus spoke and gave answers. He preached clearly, but He didn’t shout in the streets of Jerusalem. He often withdrew, sought solitude, and didn’t want to be made king (Luke 5:15; 9:10; John 6:15). He went to synagogues and spoke there (Mark 1:21; 3:1; 6:2; Luke 4:15-16; 6:6; John 6:59). He preached by the sea and in the fields of Galilee. He spoke to individuals, to His disciples, or to specific groups. Peter says that He did not revile when He was reviled, and did not threaten when He suffered (1 Pet 2:23).

But the Lord had unparalleled authority, nevertheless. The centurion said to Him, “Lord … speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed” (Matt 8:8). Christ Himself said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise” (Luke 7:14b). And in other places Scripture records, “Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matt 8:26b). “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt 7:29).

So, once more, what was the secret of His authority? In listening to the Father; in personal obedience to Him.

“For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:49-50). “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).

Jesus didn’t listen to just anyone, but to His Father in heaven and to His Word. Obedience requires both concepts: listening and carrying out.

The Apostles’ subsequent authority consisted in their listening to Jesus and doing His will. After His Ascension, they committed themselves to the further revelations that they received from Him. Among these were the “gospel of glory,” future prophetic words, several mysteries that were revealed to them, and teachings that serve the Church’s spiritual growth. 

There are no new revelations for the present Church. We have the Bible, which says all we need to know. However, it’s not forbidden to use aids. A good microphone can facilitate speaking. Background music can set the mood for hearing the Word. Comfortable seats and a pleasant atmosphere are nice for the listeners. Thank God such things have been given to us, and we are able to make use of them. But none of this is a substitute for personal fellowship with the heavenly Father. 

If we want to be heard in our families, our surroundings, or in our church, it’s not a matter of shouting but about the tranquility that comes from a personal relationship with God.

Midnight Call - 03/2025