unprecedented authority
“At the sight, a feeling of awe came over the crowd, and they praised God for giving such authority to men.” —Matthew 9:8
When Jesus instantaneously healed the paralytic, the crowd praised God not only for the healing but also for the authority Jesus exercised in the healing (Mt 9:8). People also had this reaction to the Sermon on the Mount. “Jesus finished this discourse and left the crowds spellbound at His teaching. The reason was that He taught with authority and not like their scribes” (Mt 7:28-29).
Jesus showed His authority over leprosy, sickness, people, the weather, and demons (Mt 8:1ff). Then, by healing the paralytic, He showed His authority on earth to forgive sins (Mt 9:6). Next, He gave His Church “authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind” (Mt 10:1).
Unlike the devils, diseases, and storms, we don’t have to submit to Jesus’ authority. We can choose to rebel. We can make up our own religion by picking out what we want and trying to forget the rest. When Jesus manifests His lordship, we can be like the scribes who called it blasphemy (see Mt 9:3).
God has given us the incomparable freedom to make the decision to become a subject in His kingdom. Therefore, willingly and thankfully submit to the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, I submit to Your authority in the Church, in the Bible, and in humbly obedient parents, husbands, pastors, and leaders.
Promise: “The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, go, prophesy to My people Israel.” —Am 7:15
Praise: Though Freda’s heart health is deteriorating, her heart to evangelize grows stronger each month. She tells everyone she meets about the love of Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order AV 43-1 or V 43 on our website.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 2025
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.