LUKE 20:2
“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”
TO PONDER
Apologies to any one who heard my sermon on Sunday, you'll probably recognise most of today's devotion.
Reading this verse for this week I was struck by two things which I had never directly considered before. Authority is something that is always given. The Pharisees and the temple priests ask Jesus the question, "who gave you this authority". And it is true, the manner in which authority is given and by whom might be different in various circumstances but authority is always given by someone (or a group of people) to another individual or group of people. Not only that, it is given for a purpose.
These same temple officials ask Jesus what authority he has to be doing these things. If you read the surrounding context of this verse, you'll realise Jesus has just turned over the tables of the vendors and money changers in the temple courts.
When Jesus tells his disciples at the end of Mathew's gospel that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, and with that authority he sends them to make disciples of all nations, Jesus gives them the necessary authority to do exactly as he said. To employ the power and authority of Jesus to make disciples of others.
Too often, Christians have been tempted to act in the power and name of Jesus simply for their own benefit. That's not the purpose for which it was given.
Too often, Churches have been caught out insisting that thing be done 'their way' and according to 'their rules and traditions'. That is not what the authority which Christ gave to the church is for.
It is to make disciples of others, baptising and teaching them everything Jesus said and did and taught to us. Things like how to love and serve one another, how to practice mercy and forgiveness, how to encourage and support one another in prayer and in practice. These are the things for which Jesus gives his authority to his disciples. So what are you waiting for?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you send us out as your people with your power and authority to do the work you have called us to do. Help me to get busy at the work you have left for me and help me to be confident in your power and authority as I strive to follow you as your disciple. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle