The Power of Jesus

"All power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18)

Introduction

The Lord Jesus has power to heal the sick, raise the dead, deliver a demon-possessed man, heal a hemorrhaging woman, and to forgive sins. In fact, as He stated: "All power [authority] has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18)

1 Jesus power is always kind (Luke 7:21)

To many blind people "'He kindly gave sight.'...
This is the proper meaning of the original words. In all His miracles, Jesus showed the ... [most tender] mercy and kindness." (Adam Clarke) The New Testament by C.B. Williams translates this verse "And graciously granted sight to many blind persons."

The New Testament Expanded Translation by K.S. Wuest states, "and graciously granted sight to many blind persons." The New Testament, Expanded Translation by K. W. Wuest states "and to many blind people He gave as a free, gracious, joy-giving gift the restoration of their eyesight."

Indeed, Jesus is always kind in His use of power. In the case of the centurion's servant who was dying: "Jesus went with them." (This event is also recorded in Matthew 8:5-13)

Matthew records Jesus saying, "I will come and heal him." (Chapter 8, verse 7). After commending the centurion's great faith, Jesus replied, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." (Matthew 8:13)

He was on His way to Peter's house (Matthew 8:14) when He was interrupted. But He did not let an interruption upset Him. Sickness doesn't fit into our busy schedule. But Jesus stopped and showed ready kindness.

2 Jesus' power is always unselfish

Jesus never used His power for Himself or to gain attention for Himself, but to help those who were suffering.

Jesus and His disciples came upon a funeral procession near the city gates of Nain. He had compassion on the grieving mother, touched the open coffin and raised her dead son to life in the open coffin! What power! What unselfish power! - When Satan tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread, Jesus refused to use His power for Himself or for Satan's wishes. (Matthew 4:3-4)

On occasion, His enemies taunted "If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross...and we will believe Him." (Matthew 27:40 & 42). But again Christ refused to save Himself. What unselfish power He has.

3 Jesus' power is always gentle.

1. In Luke 7:36-50 Jesus is invited by one of the Pharisees to eat with Him.
2. Then an uninvited person came in to see Jesus. She was weeping and anointing His feet with fragrant oil.
3. Notice how Jesus deals with His host and with the uninvited woman.
   1. To Simon He says, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And Jesus proceeded to tell him a story about a creditor who had two debtors.

   2. To the sinful woman He says, "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

      To both He uses His power to forgive sins in a gentle way. To both His message is clear and straight - but gentle.

4. And, notice Jesus' words in the story of the creditor: "He freely forgave them both." In fact, Jesus is referring to Himself.

We are all hopelessly in debt to the Lord and He is offering to freely forgive us for all our sins and deliver us from the power of sin. There was another occasion, recorded in John's gospel (8:2-11), when there was a woman who was caught in adultery and was brought to Him by the scribes and Pharisees. After dealing with her accusers, Jesus turned to her and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." The Lord gives the repentant sinner power to sin no more! His power is always gentle to those who repent.

Conclusion

We have seen that Jesus is all-powerful in a way that is kind, unselfish and gentle. When His power is applied to our sinful lives, He changes us in a wonderful way. He promised His disciples and to all who follow Him today: "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses." (Acts 1:8)

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul testified that the Lord said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in [your] weakness."

Paul concludes, "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities ['a thorn in the flesh' verse 7] , that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Do you know the power of Christ upon you? You can, by accepting your own weakness and His power.