Your Authority in Christ

​In Mark chapter five, Jesus confronts a demon who makes the statement “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High.” This is another way of saying, “What do we have in common?” Similar expressions can be found in the Old Testament (e.g. 2 Samuel 16:10;19:22), where they mean’ “Mind your own business!” The demon goes on to say “I implore you before God, do not torment me! The demon sensed that he was to be punished and used the most substantial basis for an oath that he knew, though his appeal to God was strangely ironic. ​

There are three things that I want to point out here:

• The demon recognized Jesus’ identity
• The demon recognized Jesus’ power
• The demon questioned His authority

In fact, the demon holds Jesus to the highest authority that he knows: God in heaven. But why?

As we flip through the pages of the Old Testament, we’ll notice that while God is obviously in charge of the universe, He is not necessarily in control. Psalm 115:16 says, “The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth he has given to the sons of man.” In the garden of Eden, authority and dominion on earth were given to man. Man, in turn, traded his birthright for the “cravings of his stomach” (a transaction that can be better understood through the symbolism in Genesis 25 with Jacob and Esau).

All that to say, dominion and authority on earth were in the hands of the evil one and his minions. This turf war can be seen in Daniel 10 when the Angel of the Lord is held up by the Prince of Persia, and Micheal the Archangel has to come and help. Based on the context of the Scripture, the “Prince of Persia” is clearly a reference to a demonic spiritual principality that ruled over the area from which Daniel was praying. Note that It required two angles to power passed this demonic stronghold. Now, Jesus, “Son of the Most High God” stands before this demon, and the demon says, “Mind your own business!” The demon thought it was business as usual and was confused by why God was suddenly changing the deal and encroaching on his territory. After all, isn’t God faithful to His word? This is why he challenges Jesus presence against the very Word of God!

But, what the demon didn’t realize is that God had exposed a loop-hole. As Psalm 115: 16 states “...but earth was given to the sons of man” Jesus stood in the face of the demon, not as the Son of God but as the Son of Man. Jesus, being perfect and without sin, had reclaimed the authority that had once been given, and forfeited by Adam. He was reclaiming that dominion, and the demon hadn’t received the memo.

What happens next is so powerful! He COMMANDED the spirit! What he commanded him to do is really not important. The fact of the matter is, Jesus took control of the situation and proclaimed the authority that He was now giving back to mankind. In essence, Jesus replied to the demon, “You are my business”, And he showed him who was boss. Now, it’s crucial that we realize that Jesus didn’t do this as God (of course he was God) but he carried this out as a man in right standing before God.

Now, as you and I partake in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are grafted into a bloodline, not of fallen Adam, but of victorious Jesus! And this authority to retake dominion from the evil one is our Right as Sons and Daughters of the Most High!

I challenge you to walk in this authority today!

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About the Author
Devin Peterson, B.S., M.Div.

Devin Peterson is a passionate writer with a heart for prayer and intercession. He has earned his Bachelor of Science in General Ministry from West Coast Bible College and Seminary and his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with an emphasis in Biblical Languages from Luther Rice College and Seminary. As the youngest son of Kevin Peterson (the founder of RFM) he has been a part of the ministry his entire life. Currently, he serves as President and Chairman of RFM. Devin lives in Mansfield, Texas with his wife Ashley and their 3-year-old Yorkshire-poodle.