Day 2: Monday- Jesus Holds Supreme Authority

Suggested Reading:

• Matthew 21:12-22

• Mark 11:12–19

• Luke 19:45–48

Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. Matthew 21:18 ``````````

What a seemingly uncharacteristic move for Jesus to make. The one who was kind and accessible, encouraging even the children to come near now hurling a curse at a poor, fruitless fig tree. What was He trying to tell His disciples?

Fresh on the heels of flipping tables in the temple, Jesus seemed to solidify His authority to do so in His cursing of the fig tree. Jesus holds supreme authority. Heaven glorifies Him. The earth bows down to Him. Mountains move on His command. Demons tremble at His name. Fig trees wither and die at His Word. 

Before ascending to the Father, Christ transferred His authority to Believers. (Luke 10:19-20) Now, as Christ-followers, it is our job to use His name to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. To walk in victory, we must take the authority that Jesus has given us and use it. We must use the name of Jesus to stop the enemy from wreaking havoc in our lives. 

It is a simple but often overlooked task. 

We can not fight spiritual battles with natural weapons. It is not enough to believe that the Lord is the supreme authority. You must know that you are seated at the right hand of the Father with Christ (Ephesians 2:6); and that in His name, you hold that same authority.

 Matt & Jessica Stallbaum - EEC - https://eccc.us/holy-week/