Even Jesus Relied on This Power… (And So Should You)
Many Christians experience a deep hunger for more in their spiritual lives, praying and going to church yet sensing a missing power. They read about miracles in scripture and wonder why their lives do not reflect that kind of divine power. Often, they conclude that the authority Jesus walked in—healing the sick, casting out demons, and speaking with power—was reserved only for Him because He was perfect.
However, Jesus promised that the power is meant for believers. He stated: “I tell you the truth, Anyone who believes in me… will do the same works I have done and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12). Understanding how Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit is key to walking in that same power.
Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Surrender and Human Limitation
Jesus demonstrated for believers a life defined by obedience, surrender, and partnership with the Holy Spirit. Though Jesus was, is, and will always be God, He voluntarily took upon Himself certain human limitations.
As described in Philippians 2:6-8, though He was God, He did not cling to equality with God but gave up His divine privileges, taking the humble position of a slave and humbling Himself to die a criminal’s death on a cross.
- This limitation meant that Jesus “grew in wisdom” and stature (Luke 2:52), showing that He was not always operating at full capacity and had a need to grow.
- He chose to rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit in this place of voluntary temporary human limitation, thereby demonstrating that believers, in their own human limitation, can rely upon the same power.
The Holy Spirit’s Conception and Anointing
The power of the Holy Spirit was central to every aspect of Christ’s earthly life, beginning with His conception. Matthew 1:18 states that Mary was found with child “of the Holy Ghost”. This conception was so perfect and complete that the “fullness of the Godhead bodily” dwelled in Him (Colossians 2:9). The power of the Holy Ghost took infinite God, wrapped Him in flesh, and missed not a single detail.
Jesus began His ministry only after the Holy Spirit came upon Him. Following His baptism, the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus like a dove. Isaiah 11:1-2 prophesied that the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon Him, encompassing the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.
This empowering of the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus, giving Him the ability to fulfill the mission described in Isaiah 61:1:
- Bringing good news to the poor.
- Comforting the brokenhearted.
- Proclaiming that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed (deliverance).
Ministry Empowered by the Spirit
Jesus performed all His ministry works by the power of the Holy Spirit, proving that this power is accessible.
- Casting out Demons: Jesus cast out devils by the Holy Spirit. When the Pharisees accused Him of using demonic power, Jesus declared, “If I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you” (Matthew 12:28).
- Healing the Sick: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, enabling Him to go about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38).
- Preaching and Proclamation: Jesus preached in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Greatest Act of Trust: Resurrection Power
The ultimate demonstration of Jesus relying on the Holy Spirit’s power occurred when He died. Jesus voluntarily submitted to death, dying a criminal’s death and embracing human limitation. This was a profound “trust fall backwards into the grave,” trusting that the Holy Spirit would catch Him and rescue Him from death.
Crucially, Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. This same resurrection power is promised to believers: “The spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you” (Romans 8:11). This tremendous truth means that the same power that took infinite God and placed Him in a human body, and then raised Him from the dead, dwells in the believer today.
Believers Will Do the Same and Even Greater Works
Jesus affirmed that anyone who believes will do the same works He did. While the meaning of “even greater works” (John 14:12) is debated—some suggest it refers to the sheer volume of miracles performed collectively by the Church, or the unique message of the Gospel preached by former sinners—there is no doubt that believers are empowered to do the same works.
The reason this power is available is clear: Jesus stated that it was best for Him to go away so that the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) could be sent. Because Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, believers can walk in divine authority and do these works.
Signs That Follow Believers
Mark 16:15-20 promises that specific signs shall follow those who believe:
- They shall cast out devils.
- They shall speak with new tongues.
- They shall have authority over demonic powers (referred to as taking up serpents, defined by Luke 10:19 as authority “over all the power of the enemy”).
- They shall have divine protection (if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them).
- They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The Lord works with those who preach the word everywhere, confirming the word with signs following by the Holy Spirit.