Michael's Rebuke and Christ's Appeal to Divine Authority

Jude 1:9

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you.

Michael, who is Christ the Son of God, was referring to His Father when He said, "The Lord rebuke thee" Jude 1:91SG 43.1+1.

The Identity of Michael

Michael is the Archangel, a name that signifies "He who is like God" Jude 1:9DAR 219.2. The Scriptures demonstrate that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ, the Son of GodDAR 219.2+1. This is proven by the fact that the dead are raised by the "voice of the Son of God" and also by the "voice of the archangel," showing that these titles refer to the same Divine Being John 5:28+1DAR 219.2+1. As the Commander-in-chief of the heavenly armies, Michael led the loyal angels in the war against the dragon Revelation 12:7ATNM 22.1+1.

The Dispute Over the Body of Moses

The specific event mentioned in Jude 1:9 occurred when Michael came down to earth to resurrect MosesTA 104.3+1. Moses had died and was buried by the Lord in the land of Moab, falling under the dominion of death due to his one transgression at the rock Deuteronomy 34:5-6TA 104.3+1.

• Satan's Claim: The Devil claimed the body of Moses as his lawful prey, arguing that because Moses had sinned, he belonged in the grave1SG 43.1+2. Satan denounced God as unjust for taking away his prisoner1SG 43.1.

• Michael's Response: Even though Satan railed out bitterly, Michael did not bring a railing accusation against him16MR 158.2+1. Instead, He meekly referred the adversary to His Father for judgment1SG 43.1+1. By saying, "The Lord rebuke thee," Christ avoided using the same harsh and prideful spirit that Satan manifested Jude 1:919MR 106.2+1.

The Victory of the Resurrection

Despite Satan's fierce resistance, Michael was victorious in the disputeSITI January 20, 1888, page 42.12+1. He gave life to Moses before his body saw corruption and took him to heaven as a representative of those who will be raised at the second coming of Christ1SG 43.1+2. This resurrection was a special exception to the general decree of returning to dust, serving as a preview of the power Christ has over the keys of death and the grave Revelation 1:18RAR 24.2+1.

Lessons for Believers

The conduct of Michael provides a powerful example of humility and self-controlEv 163.1+1.

• Avoid Railing: Followers of Christ are cautioned not to use "careless and venturesome words" or "railing accusations" against others, even when dealing with those inspired by satanic agencies16MR 158.2+1.

• Rely on God: When faced with opposition or "defiers of Israel," believers should rely wholly on the strength of God rather than their own sharp wordsEv 163.1+1.

• Holy Spirit's Guidance: We are encouraged to let the Holy Spirit be our life and voice, ensuring that our tongues are used for God's glory rather than revealing a harsh, human spirit7MR 79.3+1.

Jesus Christ frequently appealed to the authority of His Father to demonstrate that His mission, words, and works were not of human origin but were strictly divine. 🌟

In His life on earth, Jesus served as our example of perfect obedience, showing what a human being can do through faith in God's power Philippians 2:12-16. He did not come to reveal what a God could do, but how a man, through a connection with the Divine, can overcome every temptation 2 Corinthians 6:1.

Jesus' Words are the Father's Authority

Jesus was always careful to point His listeners away from Himself and toward the Source of His message. He made it clear that He did not act independently of the Father’s will.

• Divine Instruction: Jesus told His disciples, "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself; but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works" John 14:10.

• Sent by the Father: He emphasized that to believe in Him was actually an act of believing in the One who sent Him: "He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me" John 12:44.

• Refusing Human Honor: Even when people were impressed by His wisdom, He redirected the glory: "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me" John 7:16.

Appealing to the Father for Judgment and Truth

When facing trials or explaining the nature of His kingdom, Jesus continually deferred to the Father as the ultimate authority and judge.

• The Cup of Suffering: In His most agonizing moment, Jesus appealed to the Father's will over His own human inclinations: "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" Luke 22:42.

• The Right to Rule: Jesus repudiated the idea that His authority was conferred by the powers of this world. He told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world" John 18:36, acknowledging that His power was granted by His Father only.

• The One True God: In His intercessory prayer, He highlighted the Father as the supreme authority: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true god, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" John 17:3.

The Power of "It is Written"

Jesus also appealed to the authority of God’s written Word, the Scriptures, which carry the "Thus saith the Lord." 📜

• Overcoming Temptation: When tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus did not use His own arguments but appealed to the authority of God's law, saying, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4.

• Vindicating the Law: He upheld the enduring nature of the Father’s commands, stating that He came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it Matthew 5:17. He taught that our love for God is proven by our obedience: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15, which reflects the same principle found in the Decalogue Exodus 20:6.

Christ's Example for Us

By appealing to the Father's authority, Jesus showed us that our strength lies in trustful dependence upon God Nahum 1:3.

• Total Dependence: He taught that "the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do" John 5:19.

• Our Accountability: Just as Jesus walked in obedience to the Father John 15:10, we are called to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5.

• The Ultimate Commission: After His resurrection, He once again pointed to the source of His power before sending out His followers: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..." Matthew 28:18-19.

Through these appeals, Jesus demonstrated that the only way to find rest for our souls is to wear His yoke—the symbol of submission to God's will—and learn of His meekness and lowliness of heart Matthew 11:29. 🕊️