WE SERVE IN THE AUTHORITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!

WE SERVE IN THE AUTHORITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!


One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” —Luke 20:1-2

            Don’t be surprised when people question what authority you have to share the gospel.  The religious leaders of Jesus’ day questioned even Him over who gave Him the authority to do these things.  In reality, they did not believe Jesus had any authority to do what He was doing.  Surely, the religious leaders did not give Him the authority.

            So, when they asked Jesus “by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority,” Jesus answered, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” (Lule 20:3-4).  Once again, Jesus put them in a position.  To answer “‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’” (Luke 20:6).  Which would be the same answer they would need to give about Jesus, from heaven, but that would mean they should believe in Him.  “But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”  From the Jewish leaders’ perspective, it would be better to say that they did not know where John’s authority came from.  Jesus had, once again, put them in a spot where they would not answer— so they pleaded ignorance.  So, Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Luke 20:8).  Obviously, John’s authority came from the God of heaven who sent him— “There was a man sent from God whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light” John 1:6-8.  John was sent from the God of heaven and so was Jesus— “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). 

            As John was sent by God, so Jesus was sent by His Father and now we are sent by Jesus.  We have the authority of heaven.  “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).  We serve our Lord God Almighty in His authority.  So, take heart and serve as He desires you to— “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you… (Isaiah 45:5).  “The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1).  Yes, we go in the authority of our Lord God Almighty.  So, take heart and do so!  Yes, Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Dear and Precious Son and my Lord Jesus.  So may it be.  All for Your honor and glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP_XATZQ8sU

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