John the Baptist confirmed in John 3:27 that Jesus’ authority came from heaven. This is a fact that was doubted in the days of John as it is today. Doubts however do not change the truth of God. Jesus also confirmed this fact in John 5:36 that the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me.
God does not send or engage anyone on a mission without giving him a corresponding or commensurate authority or power. God will always give us what we need if we are dedicated to his course. Philippians 3:20-21 says the Lord Jesus Christ will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. This confirms that (a) Jesus has power and authority over our lives and (b) can change us to be like him. Jesus Christ will bring the needed change in our lives if we will call on him.
John could have been embarrassed by acknowledging the source of Jesus’ power as coming from heaven yet he spoke the truth without fear of being deserted, embarrassed or even stoned. John was not wrong for his source of knowledge was the truth from the Holy Spirit. What is our source of knowledge or information on the authority and power of Jesus Christ? Are we committed to speaking the truth no matter the humiliation or embarrassment that may come with it?
Sometimes we feel ashamed or afraid to confess Jesus as Lord. Jesus says he will also feel ashamed of us before God, Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26. We must not be ashamed of what is right or good. Paul however got it right when he said in Romans 1:16 that he is not ashamed of Jesus’ gospel.
God’s testimony of Christ Jesus
God testified about Jesus in Matthew 3:17 that this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased. God said again in Matthew 17:5 that listen to him. If Christ Jesus did not come from heaven God would have said he was pleased with him and we must listen to him. We have no option but to accept Jesus’ authority and power.
In Matthew 1:21 the angels also confirmed Jesus’ authority that Jesus will save his people from their sins. Without power and authority from above, Jesus could not have saved mankind from sin into his marvelous light. God therefore gave Jesus all authority required for our salvation through grace. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. John 20:31 says that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name. Rather than disputing Jesus’ power and authority, let us align with him and tap into his anointing for our good.
John’s testimony about Jesus
John the Baptist reiterated with consistency that he was not the Christ to come but that he was only a forerunner of Christ Jesus. John said that I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16. If we believe that John who was Jesus’ forerunner derived his authority from heaven, then Jesus’ authority also comes from heaven.
Although John was so popular at the time, he however did not exaggerate his status or mission or equate himself with Jesus or place himself above Jesus. He understood his task and mission, he was satisfied or content with it, he knew who Jesus was and he acknowledged Jesus as such. How often do we exaggerate our status before men? John avoided unhealthy and baseless rivalry to draw any unqualified attention to himself? Such is a sin as it rivals God.
John knew that they all worked to God’s pleasure yet with different missions with different levels of power, authority, gifts and anointing. He said in John 3:28 that you yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. Do we rival Jesus’ authority and power as if in competition because of his grace which he has bestowed upon us? We must be careful.
What do we testify to about Jesus?
John the Baptist was a true friend or kinsman of Jesus Christ and could testify to Jesus’ authority. We must not only testify to the power of the resurrected Christ. Jesus’ power and authority is to enhance mankind and not to destroy. It must be used purposefully to build such as to seek and save the lost, Luke 19:10. Jesus’ power is to redeem us from sin and to preserve us by grace. Are we ready to testify to these as our individual encounters? Nothing is too hard for Jesus, Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we pray in your holy name to help us to testify to your truth. Teach us to commit to your power and authority for guidance, protection and peace in your mercy and sanctify us in your blood, Amen!!
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