Authority

One day when Jesus was in the Temple teaching the people and preaching the Good News, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law, together with the elders, came and said to him, ‘Tell us, what right have you got to do these things? Who gave you this right?’

Jesus answered them, ‘Now let me ask you a question. Tell me, did John’s right to baptise come from God or from human beings?’  (verses 2-4)

Read Luke 20: 1-8

Have you ever had your authority challenged? I’ve had my authority challenged in the classroom. It was the first time the students had a woman as their lecturer. When they opposed me, they expected me to become angry. Instead, I cancelled the class and went away and prayed. God gave me the words I needed. The next time the class met, I quietly stated that my authority was not from me but from the principal and the seminary council. If the students didn’t want me as their teacher, they could leave the class and take the subject at a later time. All the students remained and later became my greatest supporters. My authority as their teacher wasn’t questioned again.

Jesus had his authority questioned. As he taught in the temple, the temple authorities questioned his right to teach. He answered their question with another question that put them on the back foot. They weren’t able to answer his question without getting themselves into trouble.

We know who gave Jesus his authority. He spoke with the authority of his Father, God. Twice God claimed him as his Son: at his baptism and on the mountain of transfiguration. He is the eternal Word (John 1:1-4).

Jesus is all the authority you need. His word is truth. He proved it by his actions.

Thank you, Jesus, that you have proved that you are the Lord. Help me always to listen to your words and follow them. Amen.

by Merna Thamm, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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