By Andrew Williams – July 25, 2022
And they came again to Jerusalem. And when Jesus was walking about in the [courts and porches of the] temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, And they kept saying to Him, By what [sort of] authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do them?
Mark 11:27-28 AMPC
Good morning fellow disciples.
Authority is defined as “the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.”
Jesus went about from town to town preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, and casting out demons. His fame spread throughout all Israel and even to the surrounding countries.
His interpretation of scripture, His teachings, His proclamations and His increasing fame as a young rabbi caught the attention of the chief priests, scribes and elders.
Now Jesus is visiting the temple and all these leaders had a chance to speak to Him. What were they concerned about?
1. By what [sort of] authority are You doing these things?
What powers are you using to perform miracles, heal the sick and casting out demons?
Did you get this authority from God Almighty or the devil?
2. Who gave You this authority to do them?
Who gave You the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience?
Who gave You the right and power to teach, heal, and deliver those held captive by the devil?
Do you think that they were justified in asking these questions?
If someone came into your town or church and was preaching and teaching things you haven’t heard before and was doing things you couldn’t do (in the name of your God), wouldn’t you want to know who authorized him to do these things?
No one likes when someone else usurps their authority. Religious people sometimes get jealous or feel threatened when you obviously have deeper fellowship with God than they do, especially if you are new to the faith and have no church authorized position.
Prayer: Father God, help me to recognize Your children and to accept them as authorized by You. Amen
