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Who Gives This Kind Of Authority?
Richard WaialealeMatthew 21:23-25 (NIV)
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?"
24 Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
25 John's baptism--where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
Although Jesus never quite answers the chief priests and elders original question, He confuses them by answering their question with a question of his own. The other interesting thing is, how did Jesus get His authority? It’s not like He was ordained or went to Seminary training like the Pharisees, Sadusees or the chief priests.
Jesus authority (and our authority) comes from God, and that’s the highest calling in all of the universe.
The same is with all of us. My calling comes from God, and I was given the opportunity to get prepared by going to college and seminary training, specifically to answer God’s call. Everyones calling is different. Not everyone needs to or will go to college or seminary, and we all preach the Gospel of Jesus. It was God who set this path for me and I was available and prepared myself for His calling for my life. I need to continue to answer that call by staying close to Jesus, and follow Him all the days of my life.
Lord thank you for choosing me and using me to serve in the Kingdom of God. My authority comes from You and I humbly follow the path You lay out for me. Amen.
