John 17:1-5, Exousia: Authority! (1)

This word is translated “authority” and also “power.”  It is not physical power or might.  It is always freedom or permission.  Let’s begin with its use in the Gospels.

exousia: authority, absolute power, warrant; ability, capability, might, power (acc. to Arndt/Gingrich lexicon)

·       Mt.7:29: Jesus taught as one w/authority (Mk.1:22)

·       Mt. 8:9: the centurion was also a man under authority with soldiers under him

·       Mt.9:6: Jesus authority to forgive sins (Mk.2:10; Lk.5:24)

·       Mt.9:8: people gloried that God had given such power to men (Jesus heals)

·       Mt.10:1: Jesus gave d's authority over unclean spirits (Mk.6:7; Lk.9:1)

·       Mt.21:23f,27: disc. of authority of Jesus to do his work (Mk.11:28f,33; Lk.20:2,8)

·       Mt.28:18: Jesus has all authority on earth

·       Mk.1:27: w/authority Jesus commanded unclean spirits & they obeyed (Lk.4:36)

·       Mk.3:15: Jesus gave 12 authority to heal, cast demons

·       Mk.13:34: man put slaves in charge (authority) of tasks

·       Lk. 4:6: Satan promised Jesus authority over kingdoms if He would worship him

·       Lk.4:32: Jesus word was w/power

·       Lk.10:19: Jesus gave power over enemy

·       Lk.12:5: fear God who has power to cast you into hell

·       Lk. 12:11: disciples will be brought before “authorities”

·       Lk. 19:17: faithful servant given authority over ten cities

·       Lk. 20:20: Jewish leaders wanted to bring Jesus before authority of the governor

·       Lk. 22:53: “this is your hour and the power of darkness”

·       Jn.1:12: power to become sons of God

·       Jn.5:27: Father gave Son authority to judge

·       Jn. 10:18: Jesus had power to lay down His life and power to take it up.  This was all according to the Father.

·       Jn.17:2: Father gave Son authority over all that he might give them eternal life

·       Jn.19:10: Pilot claims authority to release Jesus

·       Jn.19:11: Jesus tells Pilot he has no authority except it come from above

All authority in Creation belongs to the Creator and is given out as He wills.  This began at Creation (Gen. 1:27-28).  Eventually all authority will be Christ’s.

The ability to perform miracles of healing and casting out demons is not how much strength you have but do you have permission.

Authority is sometimes given when One has successfully completed a test.  For Christ to have authority to judge He had to become the Son of Man (Jn. 5:27).  For Christ to have authority to give eternal life He had to finish the Father’s work.