Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Matthew 10:1
Jesus had started His ministry and chosen some men to follow Him. He had taken some time to train them and allow them to see Him in action. Now He was sending them out to do the same ministry He was doing. Jesus gave them authority to cast out spirits and heal those who are sick.
Demonic presence in the lives of people is a very real thing. In today’s society many do not believe in demonic spirits, this is especially true in America. In some countries, it is a very common belief. Yet, demonic spirits are a real part of life.
Often people allow demonic spirits in by accepting false beliefs or actions. Their actions are explained away by the way they grew up, society’s influence, drugs, illnesses or some other event in their life. Very rarely is it looked at as demonic spirits, as was seen often in the Bible.
Sickness, however, was common in the Bible and is still common today. Everyone has had it or seen sickness. Everyone accepts that it is real today.
Jesus gave all His believers/followers the authority to cast out any demonic spirits and to heal all forms of sickness. Reading the Bible, one never sees that Jesus prayed for a healing or a release of impure spirits and it did not occur. That same authority has been given to every believer today.
One of the reasons why Jesus could always heal people, was that He only did what the Father told Him to do. He also had faith in His Father to do what He asked, because He followed Him so closely.
You also have that same ability if you choose to follow Jesus and the Father with all of your heart, soul and mind. Keeping your eyes on the Father will allow you to know what He wants and when He wants it.
Jesus gave you all the authority you need to command spirits out of a person or place and to heal all types of sickness. Sickness and spirits have no control over you and have to obey you, if you are in God’s will.
As you pray for these types of needs, pray knowing God has given you the authority. Take command over sickness and spirits.
I pray today that you will know the power Jesus has given you; that you will keep your eyes on God; that you will only do and say what God tells you to do and say; and that God will work miracles for His kingdom through you.
Are there specific Scriptures that say we have the same authority (to control unclean spirits and heal diseases) as the disciples were given in Matthew 10:1? Or that His authority is ours at salvation?
Janice,
Thank you for reading and this great question.
On dealing with unclean spirits I think of: Ephesians 6:10-13 talking about have authority against spiritual forces with the armor of God.
As for healing:
James 5:14-15 calling on the elders to pray for healing
I also look at the disciples were given that authority and were to go out and make more disciples. Today, you and I are disciples of the original 12 disciples two thousand years later. We still have that same authority given to us.
Matthew 28:18-20 says that Jesus has all authority and tells us to go and make disciples in the same way He did.
Jesus healed and cast out demons, so in His name and in His power we have the authority to do the same. However, it is not our authority or ability to do it, but His.
Hebrews 4:16 says we are to go boldly before the throne of God with our requests.
We can cast out demons and heal the sick by His power.
All authority that Jesus gave the original 12 disciples has been given to us because we are to also follow what they taught.
I hope this helps you some in this. If you have any more questions on this or anything else, please feel free to ask.
Have a blessed day in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.