With Authority

What does it mean to speak with authority? In today’s scripture passage, it is twice noted that Jesus teaches “with authority” and that this authority and power is the reason he is able to cast out demons.
 
Authority means that there is something underlying and supporting the words a person says or the position a person holds. For instance, a seminary trained pastor could get up in the pulpit and give a lecture on particle physics; but it might not be very helpful unless that pastor had spent a lot of time studying science. There wouldn’t be a lot of authority there.
 
So, does authority just equal education? No, not at all. Some gain authority through experience. Others gain authority because others put trust in them and elect or appoint them to certain positions of power. And some, in the church, gain authority through a movement of the Holy Spirit.
 
We believe that one of the reasons Jesus is the Christ is because God gave him ultimate authority to defeat death and evil and redeem humankind. This didn’t come through any human form of authority-giving (like education or election) but through the supernatural work of God.
 
This authority, however, must be accepted through faith on our part, and this is our lifelong work as Christians. We must immerse ourselves in the authority of scripture and the Holy Spirit to grow closer and closer to Jesus.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What authority have you given to Christ in your life?
• Where are you lacking in trust?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What are the characteristics that give a person authority?
• How can we develop those characteristics in ourselves?

PRAYER
God, where we lack faith, increase our faith. Where we lack wisdom, give us knowledge. Where we lack love, give us hearts for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.