Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Verse 8. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Verse 9. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Verse 10. “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? Verse 11. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
Verse 12. “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus is speaking in the “present, imperative”. This is not a request, it is a command, and He is telling us, when making our requests, we are to ask, seek and knock with persistence. It is akin to begging; a calling for, a craving, and a desire that rises above the level of a need, it is a requirement.
Here are some examples from scriptures of effective Asking, Seeking and Knocking
ASK INTENTIONALLY
Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Verse 2. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. Verse 3. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
Verse 4. “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, verse 5, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me.”
SEEK DELIBERATELY
Luke 15:8 “Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? Verse 9. “When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ Verse 10. “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
KNOCK PERSISTENTLY
Luke 11:5 “Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; Verse 6, for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; Verse 7, and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ Verse 8. “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
But, once again, the “Key of the Keys” is that you must, first, “treat people the same way you want them to treat you”. This is The Key which Opens the Door.
ACTION POINT
In order to have the request you have made, to see God move in the ‘natural’ you must,
Ask intentionally – know your purpose
Seek deliberately – don’t be distracted
Knock persistently,
Treat people the same way you want them to treat you
“How much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
John 14:10, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.
Verse 11. “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.
Verse 12. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
Verse 15. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
Jesus begins this Key Statement to “Believe Me” which communicates the idea of “a conviction or belief respecting your relationship to God and divine things, with the idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it.”
Jesus next teaches us that we are in Holy Union with Him and God the Father. The process is now complete. We are one.
Jesus started with “Believe in Me” and now closes the circle of His teaching with “Believe Me”. It is one thing to believe IN God, but completely another thing to BELIEVE HIM. The former, even the demon, believe and shudder. But only a true Follower of Jesus can Believe Him because that requires complete submission and obedience to Him. It determines the course and outcome of your life.
Now it can be said, “the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.” We are one with Jesus and God the Father, and it is HE who is doing the Works.
Likewise, now it can be said, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Finally, Jesus utters a Great Prophetic Truth, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”, and this time it is not a request or a command, IT IS THE RESULT.
ACTION POINT
Believe that Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in Him, and that He is in you. You are one.
Believe IN Jesus
Believe Jesus
Ask in His Name
Keep His commandments
AND, WHAT ARE THESE WORKS?
“Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the Work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent.”
John 14:12“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key Of Asking, Seeking, Knocking – Chapter 7.
Mark 11:22, “And Jesus answered, saying to them, “Have faith in God. Verse 23. “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea, ’and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.
Verse 24. “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
Verse 25. “Whenever you stand praying forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. Verse 26. “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”
We have just discussed Faith in the previous chapter. And once again, Jesus reminds us that we must have faith! Jesus remarks turn serious with the word “Truly I say…” which literally means “Amen”. It comes from the Hebrew word for “believe”, or faithful. Thus, it came to mean “sure” or “truly,” an expression of absolute trust and confidence.
Now, Jesus tells us that we must speak our faith. When Jesus says “Whoever says” means that our words are to affirm over, to point out with our words and to call by name.
Next, Jesus says we are to speak “And do not doubt” which means we are to make a decision, a distinction, and be at odds with doubt. We are to pronounce our decision and contend as a warrior and combatant of faith!
Jesus continues with this astounding statement, “but believe that what you say is going to happen, it will be granted you”.
Many educated religious people will try to convince you that this is not so. That Jesus did not mean what He just said. They will contend that Jesus was referring to Himself or they will place barriers of “depending on God’s will” to obscure of these plain Words of Jesus.
But, the Truth is out. Jesus said what He meant and meant every Word of what He said.
Jesus concludes with the “Key of Keys”. He says, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive…”
When Jesus said to “stand praying”, He was literally saying to stand firm and to persist; to keep on standing, immovable and firm, being of a steadfast mind, do not hesitate and do not waiver. And, again, I say STAND!
And, finally, “FORGIVE”. This requires that we separate ourselves from the past. It is the ONLY WAY we can move forward with God, in His Kingdom, and see His Miracles occur.
One of my favorite quotes says, “Resentment, the need for revenge, hurt, pride, arrogance and the lot, are the possessions which keep us chained to the rock of suffering, want and of lack, which is our exile from God.”
We must allow God to break these chains, and we must cast them off.
So, how do we utilize the Key of the Mountain?
ACTION POINT
In order to see the Miracle of Moving the Mountain,
Have faith in God – Just GO and DO!
Speak words of victory over the mountain, (literally)
Do not doubt in your heart,
Believe that what you say is going to happen,
Ask and believe that you have received what you have asked for,
Stand praying
Forgive, if you have anything against anyone
John 14:12“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key Of The Works – Chapter 6. (coming soon – please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes.)
Matthew 7:20“And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
Obviously Jesus starts contrasting something very small, such as a mustard seed, to something very large, a mountain, and something as powerful as moving that mountain.
The interesting thing here is that Jesus is doing more than simply comparing ideas or images. He is helping us understand that we only need faith – regardless of its size – to perform miracles, or better said, so He can perform a miracle through us.
His disciples asked Jesus to “Increase their faith”, but Jesus says, “…for truly I say to you, if you Have Faith…” and this is not a metaphor. But, it is a profound statement. You see, Jesus has always marveled when He found faith among people, because there is so little of it. But, when faith was found to be present, miracles happen.
“Truly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”
Luke 8:5“And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, Verse 6, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Verse 7. Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” Verse 8. But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Verse 9. “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Verse 10. Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”
“O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.”
Matthew 15:25 “But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.
“Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:20 “Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Verse 21. The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Verse 22. But Jesus, aware of their reasoning, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Verse 23. “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Verse 24. “But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” Verse 25. Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Verse 26. They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Luke 7:48 “Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Verse 49. Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” Verse 50. And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
“And nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 19:26 “And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Jesus Spoke about faith throughout His time on earth. He taught on faith, He encouraged people to have faith, He marveled at those who had faith and He chastised His own disciples for their lack of faith. So, just how can you and I have the kind of faith Jesus teaches?
The very best example in the Bible, and the model which will “increase our faith” are found in the book of Matthew:
JESUS SENDS HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES
Matthew 10:1 “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
Verse 7. “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Verse 8. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
Verse 9. “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, Verse 10, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. Verse 11. “And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. Verse 12. “As you enter the house, give it your greeting. Verse 13. “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Verse 14. “Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Verse 15. “Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”
Now Jesus’ disciples have walked with Jesus and have heard His teaching and seen His miracles, and they have been sent to do His Works. You would expect great faith among His followers, right?
Matthew28:16 “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. Verse 17. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.”
Do you see that? Jesus’ own disciples, who worshiped Him. Yet, “SOME WERE DOUBTFUL.” Doubt is a real faith killer. And, if we were honest, that is the #1 problem for all of us. So, what is the answer?
Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Verse 19. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Verse 20, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus had taught His disciples, He had modeled faith to them and now He sends them. That’s right. Despite their doubt and lack of faith He sends them. HE SENDS THEM ANYWAY. And that is the answer. He sends us. We are to “GO”, and despite our doubt, we are to go anyway.
And notice, Jesus did not just say, “Go to Church” or go to or conferences or concerts or to Bible college, or seminary”. This is where most of us get hung up.
He tells us, His disciples, to go and make disciples, to baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. He tells us to teach them to observe all that He commanded, and that He would with us until the end of this Age.
ACTION POINT
Now go. Go and…
Pray and make an opportunity to witness to someone.
Pray and make a disciple,
Pray and baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
Pray and teach them to observe all that He commanded,
Pray and heal the sick,
Pray and raise the dead,
Pray and cleanse the lepers,
Pray and cast out demons.
Freely you received, freely give
ANYTHING LESS IS JUST RELIGION
John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” – John 15:4-11
The very first word of John 15:4, “Abide”, gives us one of the Keys of the Kingdom of God from which Miracles emanate.
The word “Abide” is in the Greek aorist tense as an imperative. This means Jesus is saying that the action of this Word, “Abide”, has no regard for past, present or future. It is something we are to continue doing, an ongoing action. And as an imperative command, not a request.
For the true Christ follower, disciple, Christian, Jesus is saying, beginning in verse 1, because He is The True Vine, and His Father is The Vinedresser, every branch in Him (that is, the true follower) that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.
This is not meant to be a harsh or threatening word, but, this is the way of God’s Economy, His Kingdom, so, do not be deceived. If you are not bearing fruit, you are not a true believer, and you are removed from “The Vine”. If you are bearing fruit as a Christian, you will be pruned so you may bear more fruit and God is glorified.
This fruit, is The Fruit of the Spirit of God, which is His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law, and is manifest in our hearts, minds, bodies and lives. (There is no other kind of fruit by The Spirit or of the Kingdom of God).
Jesus continues by saying, you, the true believer and follower of Jesus (a Christian) are already made clean (Katharos = cauterized, cleansed by fire) because of the word which I have spoken to you, so you shall “Abide” in Me and I will “Abide” in you.
John 15 is not a platitude or a sermon. It is not hyperbole, nor is it an idiom. John 15 is the plain prophetic Truth. If you Abide in Him, He will cleanse you and prepare you for His Service. He will remove from you, anything and everything that would prevent you from bearing His fruit or which might prevent you from asking whatever you will, so He can give it to you and Glorify Himself.
Then, and only then, can you ask what you wish, and it shall be done unto you.
ACTION POINT
Abide in Him – Spend your days, literally, walking with Him, talking to Him.
Make His Word to Abide in you – memorize His Word and dwell in it 24/7.
Ask for “Everything Kingdom” – in order to bear His Fruit. He will do it!
Psalms 24:3 gives us the first steps to preparing ourselves to “Walk in the Works God has prepared ahead of time”. These first steps may prove to be the most difficult, even for the most sincere and devout. (For a description, see Matthew 4:1-8 )
But, like a combination lock, being close just isn’t going to work. This must be accomplished, in order.
A Psalm of David
Verse 1. The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains,
The world and those who dwell in it.
Verse 2. For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.
Verse 3. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?
Verse 4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
Verse 5. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Verse 6. This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—God of Jacob.
Verse 1, names the ‘earth’ and the ‘world’, which is all encompassing. These two ancient Hebrew words, together, refer both to the entire physical planet and all the inhabitable parts along with its uncleanness, impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living and impure motives. In other words, despite its faults – despite our faults – we are the Lord’s creation. It is important that we recognize our RELATIONSHIP and our CONDITION before God. This is the only way to begin.
Verse 2 seems a bit mysterious, but, the context of the ancient Hebrew words will help us understand. (a) The ancient Hebrew word ‘seas’ has the context of ‘mercy’. In fact, can mean “House of Mercy”.
(b) And the ancient Hebrew world ‘rivers‘ is in the context of ‘to move by the use of the hands; take in hand, to manage, administer and govern’.
Taken together, we can understand that God House is a House of mercy, and He shows us His mercy by His Own Hands, as he guides and manages our lives.
This reassures us that He Loves us and cares for us even though we are yet sinners. We must understand, acknowledge and embrace this truth before we can ever hope to ‘ascend the hill of the Lord’.
Verse 3 asks, as we all must ask. “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord?” The context of the ancient Hebrew word “who” means “what kind of person” is permitted and refers to the “invisible mountain” of God; and the word “hill” carries the idea of “invisible”.
So, we ask, what kind of person, indeed, is permitted to ascend this most Holy of Mountains? And, how are we to find the invisible?
(A) The person who has “clean hands“. The ancient Hebrew words “clean hands” carry the context of
Bowed down in reverence and in submission; clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent
free from guilt, clean, innocent
free from punishment
free or exempt from obligations
(B) And, the person who has a “pure heart” (interestingly, the context can be found to be that of a “vine”, as found in John 15 – Heart = Kardia; Clean = Katharos, purified by as by fire, i.e., cauterized. )
emanating from within the heart, soul and mind, the core of a person, pure, clear, sincere
clean, empty
This cleansing and being made free from guilt and punishment, which emanates from the very heart, soul and mind of a person, is possible only by complete and utter surrender to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior.
(C) This person who can ascend the Hill of the Lord is one “Who has not lifted his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully” is where things become difficult, for who has not? But, this word is rich with meaning and goes much deeper:
This person is one “Who”, has not committed acts contrary to law and justice, prohibited by law, illicit, criminal.
Who has not acted on their will of passion, of the emotions nor is a person of dubious character
This word, “Who”, refers directly to Aceldama, or the “Field of Blood”, a field purchased with Judas’s betrayal money, located near Jerusalem; So this someone “Who” would not betray another.
A person whose word or acts are never of emptiness, nothingness, vanity, lying or of worthless conduct.
Be keenly aware that verses One through Four are more than just reminiscent of Jesus being led by The Spirit into the wilderness to be tested (Matthew 4:1-11) they are prophetic foreshadowing of things which have come to pass and continue to come to pass.
Jesus sets the example of The Testing we must all endure and complete. His example is the standard for all who follow. He shows us all how we are to “ascend the Hill of the Lord”.
Then in Matthew 5:1“He (Jesus) went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,”
Verse 3. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Verse 4. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Verse 5. “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Verse 6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Verse 7. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Verse 8. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Verse 9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God
Verse 10. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Verse 11. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
ACTION POINT
The significance of the Blessing and the Righteousness from the Lord cannot be overstated. Think and meditate on what happens to the disciple who completes the course of testing set out by the Lord:
For mine is the kingdom of heaven
For I shall be comforted
For I shall inherit the earth
For as I hunger and thirst for righteousness, I shall be satisfied
For I shall receive mercy
For I shall be pure in heart and I shall see God
For I will become a peacemaker and shall be called the son or daughter of God
For when I am persecuted for the sake of righteousness, mine is the kingdom of heaven
Now, we are to Go and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He has told us that “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We must find and embrace acceptance of His Mercy and His Complete forgiveness, by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus’ completed work on the cross…
The Greatest of all Miracles will Happen when we are made clean – free from all guilt and free from punishment.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: The Key of The Vine (Coming Soon – please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).
Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!”
And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.
And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He *said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered.
And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
“When He (Jesus) entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” – Matthew 21:23
Jesus did not answer the Pharisees because they could not answer His question.
So, I ask you, the reader, by what authority did Jesus do these things, and who gave Him this authority?
This is a question which must be answered by anyone who would be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus tells His disciples that they will continue His Works, and will do even greater works than He (John 14:12), so it is imperative that we, His disciples, know the answer.
Another time, in the Temple, the Jews were persecuting Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath, and this time Jesus gives a response:
“But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”
“For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”
“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” – Matthew 5:17-19, 30
ACTION POINT
We must attain the Mind and Attitude of Christ
We must practice His ways. We must bear in mind that it is not we who do these works, but it is He.
We must know that we can only do what we see the Father doing. We say only what we hear the Father saying, because we can do nothing of ourselves.
We must listen and watch for the Father – literally.
We must be still and know that He is God – get alone with Him
We must allow the Holy Spirit to quicken and train our spirit to be alert and sensitive to the voice of God.
John 14:12, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Please remember, we must study and be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – Clean Hands and a Pure Heart – Chapter 2 – coming soon. Please bookmark this page or subscribe to receive each future chapter.
