Mon 17th Aug - #96. Authority
In the dictionary the word authority is defined in this way — power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour.
Some of you think you have no authority but you do have some! Think about your day — the people you meet, the tasks that you undertake, the instruction you give, the views that you share. In Mark’s gospel we see Jesus doesn’t just have some authority, but he is the authority — whether this be over sickness, nature, people or death he has the ultimate authority.
In this morning’s reading, Jesus’ authority is questioned.
Mark 11
27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you authority to do this?’
29 Jesus replied, ‘I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John’s baptism— was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!’
31 They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” he will ask, “Then why didn’t you believe him?” 32 But if we say, “Of human origin”.’ (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
33 So they answered Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’
Jesus said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’
Jesus is in the place (the temple) where he has more authority than any religious leader. The leaders here feel threatened. Jesus doesn’t say much here but his question put the leaders in a difficult position. The question of authority is one that isn’t far from Jesus’ ministry.
The religious leaders can’t say that John’s baptism isn’t from heaven and they don’t want to say that John’s baptism was of human origin - they are non committal.
No one is neutral or objective when it comes to assessing the evidence and making a judgment about Jesus. How could we be, when he is demanding total authority over our lives? If he has heavenly authority, then we lose our right to choose who we are, what we love and how we behave. However, we’re influenced by what we might lose, and who we might upset (*1) (v 32).
This morning -
Are you willing to give up everything if Jesus’ authority is from heaven?
Are prepared to ignore people’s opinions if Jesus’ authority is from heaven?
much love
Tim
*1. Mark from Explore notes