08/02/08

Who Do You Think You Are?

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? - Matthew 21:23

Do you ever question authority? Think about it before you answer "no." Are you sure that there are no times when you might say, "Who do you think you are?" Perhaps you do not say those exact words, but do you ever ignore a sign, like a speed limit sign or one that says "No U Turns" right where you want to turn? We may have a habit of questioning authority and not even notice it.

When Jesus' authority was questioned in the temple courts, it was obvious. The chief priests and elders asked Him in a straightforward way, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" (v. 23).

Do you ever question Jesus' authority? Perhaps you don't in a manner as blatant as these religious leaders did, but in other ways.

Like ignoring a traffic sign, a person can ignore the instructions in God's Word. It really is a questioning of Jesus' authority when we know what He says and choose not to obey. It is as if we are saying to Him, "Who do you think you are?"

He knows who He is and He has the authority. The real question is, "Do you obey?"

To know what is right and not do it is sin. To know what is wrong and do it is sin. The issue of authority is significant. Do you do right and not wrong, or are you in charge?


[ Prayer for the Day ]

Lord Jesus, I submit to your authority, the authority which God the Father has given You. You did not bow to this world. But You make this world bow to your love. I fall on the Corner Stone, let me be broken and built in You, so that I may obey your authority and every word that is written in your Word. Give me the boldness and courage to face myself and this world in keeping it. I ask this in your mighty Name. Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Matthew 21:23-27, 42-46
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)