Authority That Flows From Following
When His Power Moves Through Love
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go…” Matthew 28:18–19
Before Jesus sent His disciples, He first revealed where their sending would come from.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
Jesus does not begin with their ability, their confidence, or their readiness.
He begins with His authority.
And the One who carries all authority is the same One who washed feet, touched lepers, welcomed children, forgave sinners, healed the broken, and laid down His life in love.
Jesus never used authority to make Himself larger at someone else’s expense.
He used authority to reveal the Father.
Authority Rooted In Relationship
Jesus lived with complete authority, but never independently.
He said, “The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing.” (John 5:19)
That is not weakness.
That is perfect trust.
His authority flowed from relationship with the Father.
He did not grasp for power or use it to control. He lived surrendered to love, and love moved through Him with authority.
That is why His words carried life, His touch brought healing, and His presence made darkness tremble.
Sent With His Life
After the resurrection, Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21–22)
He did not send them empty.
He gave them His Spirit, His peace, His life.
Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “In order to exercise authority, it is necessary to obey authority.”
Or as I have come to say it:
In God’s Kingdom, followership precedes leadership.
We do not carry authority by becoming impressive. We carry authority as we remain yielded to the One whose life already lives within us.
Love With Courage
Kingdom authority is never about control.
It is love taking responsibility for what love has been entrusted to carry.
It speaks peace into chaos. It tells the truth without cruelty. It forgives when resentment wants the room. It serves when pride wants the platform.
You do not have to manufacture this authority. It grows as you follow Jesus, stay near the Father’s heart, and walk by the Spirit who already lives within you.
And as His love forms you, His authority begins flowing through you.
Not over people.
For people.
Because authority in Christ is love with the courage to make things whole.
Reflection
Where have I confused authority with control?
What would it look like to follow Jesus before trying to lead others?
Where might His love be asking me to speak, serve, forgive, or bring peace?
Prayer