Today we are checking in Matthew 21, and looking at the passage where Jesus’ authority is questioned.
“ And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’” Matthew 21:23 ESV
There seems to be a need for the authority to do something, whether that authority comes from a person, a “natural right”, a position or God.
The question of authority and power comes again in verse 25 the issue of the origin of the baptism of John, or that is the authority of John’s baptism. Within the checking the question arose as to whether the words used talked of power in the sense of physical ability to baptize or spiritual authority and power by which baptism possesses meaning.
I observe in this discussion a contrast which easily applies to my life. Do I act out of my own ability only, or do I act with authority behind me to give value to what I do. My abilities are weak, and though I may be able to accomplish something in a certain worldly sense. Only what God empowers will last, grow and bear fruit. My own “power” cannot create such a success, rather I must rely on the authority behind me to make anything I do last.
So I pray that I may follow the right paths and act in a manner which I know God authorizes and will support. I pray that all God’s people may also consider the nature of their actions and seek to act similarly.
