Have you heard the phrase “authority in the name of Jesus?” But what does this really mean from a practical standpoint? When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples, He sent them out with His authority. Luke 10:19 Look, I (Jesus) have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” [1]
Peter Healed the Beggar Through Jesus’ Authority
Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. [2]
What is the Authority of Jesus?
I first learned about the power and authority of the name of Jesus in a healing experience. I found out that my legs were slightly different lengths when I had some dress slacks tailored. A believing friend prayed that the shorter leg would grow. He didn’t politely ask Jesus, no, he said, “I command this leg to grow out in the name of Jesus.” My one leg did grow out one-half inch, so it was even with my other one in less than 30 seconds.
The authority with which Jesus sent out the disciples is not just physical force. It is delegated authority like a traffic officer. When a traffic officer holds his hand up to stop a car, they are not doing it with physical strength. They have delegated authority by the government backed up by the laws. We are not stopping evil or asking a leg to grow by our own strength, but by authority that Jesus gives believers.
How to Use the Authority of Jesus
Paul tells us that we are united to Christ. We, like the disciples that were sent out, have a delegated authority from Jesus. Ephesians 2:6For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.[3]
For example, you could say, “Sickness, I command you to leave in the name of Jesus” just as Peter did. You can command all evil spirits to leave a house in the name of Jesus. Of course, when you do this, you must know you are acting in accordance with the will of Jesus. When you use the Name of Jesus, you are believing that you’re seated with Him at the right hand of God. Also, you are backed by all the power in heaven.
To learn more about the authority in the name of Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-healing-at-the-temple
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.