Article Tools
- Text Size
- Print-Friendly
- Email this article
Matthew tells us that when Jesus healed the paralyzed man, the crowd “glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings” (Matthew 9:8).
While witnessing a miracle was amazing in its own right, the people were equally amazed at the authority and dignity that Jesus manifested. They were amazed, in other words, at the sight of a man so filled with God that sickness and sin submitted to him.
Jesus’ authority shows us that God has tremendous plans for all his children. Ever since he created our first parents and gave them dominion over the earth, our Father destined us to walk with the same dignity that Jesus knew. Not even our sin changed God’s intention. He sent his Son not only to forgive us but to restore to us our rightful inheritance as his children.
How do we recapture this sense of dignity and honor? By coming to a deeper understanding of who it was who died on that cross. There is a big difference between seeing an image of our Savior and looking beyond that image to meditate on who Jesus Christ, the Son of God, really is. Gazing deeply at the Lord will help us to see that everything—sin, sickness, even death itself—is submitted to him. Everything is under his power. His authority is absolute, his power unmatched. And what’s even better is that he uses his authority and power only for good, only to bring everyone back to his Father.
On the cross, Jesus put all sin and suffering to death. He freed us from bondage to sin, he healed our minds, and he won for us all the blessings of heaven. The more we can bring ourselves to trust in his authority, the more we will be amazed by him and by the power of his love.
So take the time today to gaze on the cross. Know that as you do, you will find the freedom of the cross. The floodgates of heaven will open for you, and you will find yourself walking in the same dignity that Jesus had—all because you will be convinced that nothing can separate you from God’s amazing, powerful love.
“Jesus, I give my life to you. As I submit to you, let me know the honor and dignity that you give to all of your people. Jesus, make me like you.”
Genesis 22:1-19; Psalm 115:1-6,8-9
Subscribe for full article access
Access all articles, daily meditations and readings, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber. View subscription options.
Special Offer: Two week free web-only trial subscription. Sign up now.
Existing Print & Web-Only Subscribers: Login for full access.
