Whose Authority

Scripture: 27 They came again into Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the Jewish rulers – the chief priest, certain religious scholars, and elders – approached him. They came up to him 28 and asked, “What right do you have to say these things? Who gave you the authority to do all this?” 29 Jesus replied, “I too have a question to ask you. If you can answer this question, then I will tell you by what power I do all these things. 30 Where did John’s authority to immerse come from? Was it from heaven or from people. Answer me now.” 31 They stepped away and debated among themselves, saying, “How should we answer this? If we say, ‘from heaven,’ he will say to us, “Then why didn’t you respond to John and believe what he said?” 32 But if we say, ‘from the people,’ we fear the crowds, for they’re convinced that John was God’s prophet.” 33 So they finally answered, “We don’t know.” “Then neither will I tell you where my power comes from to do these things,” Jesus replied. (Mark 11:27-33 The Passion) If these Jewish rulers had only opened their hearts to the message that John had brought, they wouldn’t have always had to be constantly questioning Jesus and His authority. Jesus knew where His authority came from and so did not need to defend himself to these rulers. We, as children of God, now have authority that has been given to us and we can pray in that authority for the will of God. We should use this authority with confidence, not in our strength, but in the strength and grace that has been given to us by God and the sacrifice of Jesus. Lord, I want to understand more and more the authority I been given and use it with grace and strength to pray and help others. AMEN O Lord, my God, no one can compare with you. Such wonderful works and miracles are all found with You! You think of me and those who love You all the time with Your countless expression of love – far beyond our expectations. Psalm 40
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