27th February 2024
By what authority?
“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
Mark 11:28 (NIV)
When reading the header verse, it first occurred to me how odd that question seemed. When you give to a charity, they do not stop to ask you by what authority you are making this contribution. Generally, to do good is welcomed by all. Surely, they do not stop a hospital from healing the sick and wounded, demanding authority for such an act. Jesus had been doing many wonderful acts of healing and what I consider doing good, but now he is accused of the wrongful act of teaching God’s word with authority and of cleansing out his Father’s house of those who were abusing the temple for profit. He did what these teachers of the law should have done, but were profiting from this offense themselves. He was stepping on their toes, and pointing out their failings. He was taking charge where they failed in their duty. They had to find a way to get rid of him and so at the first opportunity, they confronted Jesus.
The question occurred to me: ‘By what authority were these teachers of the law accusing Jesus?’ They were to represent God, and now they are planning on getting rid of God’s Son. In Matthew 21:33-46, we have the reason for the story of the wicked tenants. Jesus knew their plans; Jesus knew who he was and what authority he held. He had nothing to prove.
Who gave Jesus the authority to teach, to heal, to make his Father’s house a place of prayer and worship? His Father gave him this right. His place in the Godhead gave him this right. He was their creator, sustainer, forgiver, and author of their salvation. You can hate him or embrace him, but he will always be who he is: our Lord, our Saviour, and our God. Who holds the authority in your life? Who has allowed you to work for him? Who has put you in authority over what you claim as yours? Who is the Lord of your life? It humbles me to think of these questions. All I have was given to me, and I have a great responsibility to use these things properly, and with respect to the one who gave them to me.
Jesus is the Lord of my life and I thank him for ruling in my world. Think of the faults and failures of the rulers in this world. Not one of them comes close to such a wonderful master as we have in Jesus. We need to pray for those whose job it is to rule our countries. Because none of us are perfect like Jesus, we need the wisdom and guidance of his Spirit. Like the story of the unfaithful tenants, we too can be unfaithful. May the Lord be our guide in all we do. May we recognise who it is that gives us life and all the blessings in this world of ours every day. I look forward to his return when he will make all things new and will restore the harmony that existed before the fall of mankind. Until then it is our job to work as honest servants, representing him to his honour, and doing the work he has set out for us to do. Being that faithful servant pointing to Jesus, the Love of our lives, the King of our hearts, the Son of God.
Prayer
We come before you God, recognising the rule and authority you have over us and welcoming you into our lives, in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church