The Story of Jesus
As we go about our life, trying to walk in the will of God, sometimes we do something, not in the norm, and are asked, “Who told YOU you could do that? Sometimes we have no answer other than “It seemed right.” You might even have the credentials and the assignment relative to your job description, but are still asked, Who told you you could do that? Because apparently you went over someone’s head or stepped on someone’s toes without knowing it. Frustrating, isn’t it?
Can you imagine Jesus, the Son of God, God in human form, being asked this question? Power struggles were prevalent as Jesus taught boldly the “fulfillment” of God’s law. Jesus, the Christ, Who was there at the creation of the world, had all authority from heaven to earth to speak and to act accordingly. But as He ruffled the feathers of the high priests and leaders who were jealous of His popularity, His love for people, His power to heal broken lives and His wisdom of The Law, they were afraid.
They feared losing their power over God’s people and the bondage that held them there, under their rule. Jesus comes to set the captives free from sin and the bondage that held them from the inside out AND from the silly man-made rules! So, they try to trap him with, “Who gave you authority?” Who do you think you are? Who told YOU you could do this teaching, healing and loving?
Wow, it’s a lot to think about, isn’t it as we read and meditate the True Authority…
Matthew 21, Msg
True Authority
23 Then he was back in the Temple, teaching. The high priests and leaders of the people came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to teach here?”
24-25 Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. You answer my question and I’ll answer yours. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans?”
25-27 They were on the spot and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe him; if we say ‘humans,’ we’re up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they answered.
Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.
Who do WE say Jesus is? Does He have authority over our hearts, minds and souls? Does He have the final answer for us? Is Jesus the TRUE Authority for us? These are questions for thought as we pray for His holiness and purity of intentions of our own actions.
Dear Heavenly Father, Today, knowing the end of Your Story, we are aghast at the mere question by the religious leaders of the day You walked the earth. “Who authorized you” is a question that was only a trap and You knew it. But we ask ourselves the same question in a different way…Do we accept YOUR authority over our own lives? Do we continue to follow You even though it might ruffle feathers occasionally? We pray that you will help us keep our motivations and intentions pure and always speak in a Spirit of love with Your Truth…with the authority given by You. With Your timing. Followed by Your grace working in us. May our words give life. May our words and deeds be driven by You.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 