The Bible says John the Baptist "grew and became strong in spirit and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel" (Lk. 1:80) At the baptism of Jesus, when He came out of water the Holy Spirit descended on Him and being filled with the Spirit, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days. Jesus passed His tests and the Bible says He returned “in the power of the Spirit to Galilee and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region” (Lk. 4:1,14). One could see the development of character even in the Christ as the pattern Son. Jesus submitted to John"s baptism. He submitted Himself to His earthly parents He was even called “the Carpenter"s son” (Mt. 13:53) and sometimes "the Carpenter" (Mk. 6:3). Jesus submitted Himself absolutely to the Father"s will. The Bible says, He was faithful as a Son over His own house (Heb. 3:6) and though He was a Son, He learnt obedience by the things which He suffered (Heb. 5:8). He made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a servant and came in the likeness of men, He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the point of death. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name" (Php. 2:6-9). Jesus walked in unparalleled authority in His earthly ministry. The Centurion recognised this authority; he said to Jesus "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word and my servant will be healed" (Matt 8:8). The secret of that authority is in Jesus being a Man under authority Himself. The Centurion said "I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one "Go" and he goes, and to another, "Come" and he comes, and to my servant "Do this" and he does it." (Matt 8:9) You can"t exercise authority effectively if you are not under authority yourself. You must therefore, put yourself under the authority of God through His Holy Spirit and the Word, and under every authority God has placed in your life.
Wisdom Key: You can"t exercise authority effectively if you are not under authority yourself
Memory Verse: "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (Matt. 8:9-10)
Personal Application: Why is it vital for us believers to ensure that our lives are subjected to the authority of God, His Word and the authorities He has placed in our lives. What is the connection between being under authority and faith?
