I am amazed by Jesus authority. It didn't come from wearing the prophet’s garb of John the Baptist, or holding a "position" of authority. It came from who he is. He is the Son of God. He is the Lord whose way was prepared by John the Baptist and prophesied by Isaiah the prophet. He is the one to whom God himself said, "You are my beloved Son with you I am well pleased" (Mk 1:11). He is the one who was tempted by Satan and prevailed. He is the one who called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him and they left their father and their livelihood to follow him. He is the one who healed a man with an unclean spirit, who spoke and taught with authority, and healed many including Simon's mother-in-law. He didn't just hold a position of authority. Authority resided in the person of Jesus.
As I think about this, I realize that's where my authority comes from as well. My authority to preach, my authority to present the gospel, my authority to stand for moral and ethical truth, my authority to call sin what it is, my authority to reside in peace when all the world is in chaos. All of that comes not from me, but Jesus. Authority is not a position one holds. It is not an office to which one is elected. Authority does not come from having enough letters behind one's name, a badge that one wears, or a title that says you are important. Authority comes from who Jesus is and how closely I am connected to Him, and that authority is not exercised in power and arrogance, but him humility and service.
Jesus closed the Gospel of Matthew with these words, "All authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me" (Mt 28:18). He started the Gospel of Mark with a demonstration of that authority. When he stood trial before the crucifixion, he said to Pilate, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above" (Jn 19:11). All authority rests in God and Jesus is God. All authority rest in him. My authority to live, to love, and to speak comes from my relationship to Jesus. Nothing more. It is time to stop worrying about respect and honor. It is time to stop worrying about being recognized. It is time to stop worrying about who we think we are or who others think we are. All authority belongs to Jesus. Jesus followers find their authority him, and nowhere else.
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