What we know about Jesus matters...

As we gain knowledge about Jesus, we gain understanding that will change our lives. Why? Because Jesus lives in us. By the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we understand Who lives in unity with us. Luke reports a circumstance involving Jesus that helps to increase our understanding.

“After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went into Simon’s house. But Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a high fever. The disciples begged Jesus to help her. Jesus stood over her and rebuked the fever, and she was healed instantly. Then she got up and began to serve them.” (Luke 4:38,39 TPT).

This Scripture demonstrates that Jesus has divine authority and control over sickness and disease. Jesus commanded with authority, showing His power. Some translations state that the fever “left her”. In Greek, this implies the fever was sent away by Jesus, suggesting great force. The fever didn’t just go away. Jesus forced it out; He sent the illness away! Jesus had the force of the Father backing Him. He commanded the fever to cease its hold on the woman. Jesus used the same Greek word when He commanded the seas to be calm in Luke 8:24. He used the same Greek word in Luke 4:35 when he rebuked the demons. This Greek word implies that Jesus demanded, and it was so!

Luke 4:31-37 confirms that the observers who witnessed demons fleeing at Jesus' command said, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” (verse 36). Even the onlookers judged the power with which Jesus spoke, as they witnessed the consequences of His words.

Jesus admits that He could do nothing by Himself. He confirms in John 14:10 (Amp) that it was the Father Who lived continually in Him Who performed these works, the miracles, and demonstration of power.

Joshua helps us to learn more about the power of God. In the first chapter of Joshua, Moses has died, and Joshua must take over, leading thousands of Israelites to the promised land. God encourages Joshua with His ability in order for the demands of leadership to be met. God confirms, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life” (Joshua 1:5). How could this be true? Because, “as I (God) was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). This was the power of God! He told Joshua he should not be afraid or dismayed because He (God) would be with him (Joshua 1:9). This message is for each of us; Jesus is always with us! All the days of our lives, He is with us. Therefore, there is no reason for a child of God to be fearful or dismayed. Why? Remember God’s power and ability that He demonstrated through Jesus? That power is present in us, and through us, and He is working on our behalf!

This is why we read in James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It is God’s power released through you that is making the devil flee. This power is a commanding, forceful power that demands action against all the enemy's tactics, just like Jesus demonstrated in the above Scripture. Satan goes around “like a roaring lion, seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1 Peter 5:8). But Jesus is the Lion, the Lion of Judah! He does have the power!

Knowing Who you are in unity with changes everything! Jesus established your victory! He is your victory! There is no one like Jesus Christ, the Son of God! You have the presence of the Commander, Jesus Christ, living in you! When you speak in the name of Jesus, it is not a casual request, but it is a request backed by the power of God Almighty! Jesus’ name is above every name; Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10,11). Exercise God’s authority over every evil thing, every lie of the enemy, over every tactic and temptation. The enemy has no choice but to leave, to retreat from you! When you have revelation knowledge of His magnificence and ability, you will not fear or be dismayed. With this knowledge, you will live a victorious life.

How do you gain this knowledge? What should you do? Joshua 1 gives us the answer. Meditate on the Word of God, day and night (vs 8). When you do this, you will be prosperous and “have good success” (vs 8). We are commanded to take Jesus at His Word (John 4:50 BSB). Do not turn away from Him (vs 7).

James 5 tells us more. Humble yourself before God. See yourself as He sees you. Recognize your dependence upon Him. You need a Savior. You need Jesus. Be willing to surrender your life to Him. God resists the proud, but He gives grace (favor) to the humble (vs 6). When you humble yourself before God, “He will lift you up” (vs 10).