DIVERSE HANDS, ONE MISSION PART 12 – EMPOWERED WITH AUTHORITY

DIVERSE HANDS, ONE MISSION
PART 12 – EMPOWERED WITH AUTHORITY

Matthew 10:1 (NIV)

“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”

In Part 11, we learned: Some are called alone. Some are called together. Unit calling builds synergy. Individual calling builds depth. But regardless of structure, calling alone is not enough. You can be called. You can be aligned. You can be partnered. Yet still lack power. Now we see the shift.  Jesus not only calls — He empowers.

The Shift From Followers To Representatives

Up until this point, the disciples were learning. Watching. Listening. Observing miracles. But in Matthew 10, something changes. They are no longer just students. They are sent ones. Authority marks the difference between: Learning about the mission and Carrying the mission.

What Authority Means

Authority is delegated power. It is not self-generated. It is assigned. The disciples did not earn it. They received it. And notice: He gave authority before they were fully mature. Why? Because authority flows from relationship, not perfection.

Kingdom Principle

Calling identifies you. Training prepares you. Authority releases you. You cannot operate in Kingdom power without delegated authority. And authority only flows from submission. They were called “to Him” before they were sent “for Him.” Intimacy precedes empowerment.

The Scope Of Their Authority

Matthew 10:1 tells us:Authority over impure spirits. Authority to heal disease. Authority to confront brokenness. This was not symbolic. It was functional. The same fishermen who once handled nets were now handling spiritual battles. The same tax collector once managing accounts was now stewarding Kingdom power. Ordinary hands. Extraordinary authority.

Why Authority Matters In Diverse Teams

Diversity without authority produces confusion. Authority aligns diversity. When Jesus delegated authority: It unified their mission. It clarified their assignment. It empowered their diversity. Different backgrounds. Same authorization.

Leadership Insight

Many want influence. Few understand authority. Influence attracts attention. Authority carries responsibility. Authority requires: Character. Obedience. Accountability. Humility. If authority is given without maturity, it destroys. If maturity grows without authority, it stagnates. Jesus balanced both.

The Order Is Important

Notice: He called them. He trained them. He built partnership. Then He gave authority. Premature authority creates pressure. Properly timed authority creates impact.

Personal Application

Ask yourself: Am I submitted before I seek authority? Am I faithful in small assignments? Am I operating under Christ’s direction or my ambition? Authority is not about title. It is about representation. When you speak under authority, He backs what He sends.

The Responsibility Of Authority

Later in Matthew 10, Jesus instructs them:

Where to go. What to say. What to carry. How to respond to rejection. Authority does not remove instruction. It increases responsibility.

Reflection Questions

Where has God given you delegated authority?

Are you stewarding it faithfully?

Are you operating from intimacy or ego?

Call To Action

Do not chase platforms.

Pursue proximity to Christ.

Authority flows from closeness.

The more you walk with Him, the more confidently you represent Him.

Prayer

Lord, Teach me to steward authority with humility. Keep my heart submitted. Let me represent You faithfully. May the power You entrust to me always reflect Your character. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Lap Preview

Authority is not the end. It is preparation for something greater. In our final message, we arrive at the ultimate command: “The Grand Commission – Diverse Hands, One Mission.” Because all calling, all partnership, all diversity, and all authority lead to one global assignment: Go. And make disciples.

God is speaking, are you listening?

Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)