Jesus Promised Power

Jesus promised power to His disciples. As representatives of the Church, I believe He made this promise to His church. He told His disciples He was about to send them the Promise of the Father and to remain in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). And again in Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs them, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.

From the start of Jesus’ ministry, people were amazed at His power and authority. In the first chapter of Mark, the people are astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22-27)

The scripture then goes on describe Jesus ministering to a demonized man. The unclean spirit cries out, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24). Jesus then rebukes the unclean spirit and refuses to allow it to continue to speak. Jesus then commands the spirit to come out of the man.

At first the people were astonished at His teaching, now after this practical demonstration of the kingdom, the people are amazed and questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” (Mark 1:27). This power and authority was evident throughout His ministry. (Acts 10:38)

Because we have the same Spirit living inside us that anointed Jesus, we have the same mission. The first epistle of John describes this purpose as destroying the works of the devil. Walking in Jesus’ footsteps means we get to be representatives of the kingdom and the Father.