Our paragraph topic is: (The authority of Jesus) Part 3.
The chief priest and the elders came to Jesus with the question. They wanted to know from where he obtained his authority to preach. They wanted to know where he trained, who taught him, and how he came to do such miracles, since they did not know of him or from whence he came. So they came with the question of his authority.
The chief priest and the elders came to Jesus with the question. They wanted to know from where he obtained his authority to preach. They wanted to know where he trained, who taught him, and how he came to do such miracles, since they did not know of him or from whence he came. So they came with the question of his authority.
They were incensed that he taught the people without their permission. He taught in the temple where they taught and the people listened to him rather than their teachings. The people were leaning away from the teachings of the Law and leaning towards the teachings of Christ. And the chief priest and elders witnessed the change that was taking place and they did not like it. So they came and confronted him directly and asked the question. Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one question, and if you answer me this, I in turn will tell you by what authority I do these things."
And so it became a standoff. The chief priest and the elders wanting to know the answer and Christ having a question for them, wanting to know how they would respond. Would they come to an agreement or would they have a standoff each taking a different side?
The Mexican standoff was at play here. Good verses evil, left verses right, your side verses mine. Were do we go from here or do we continue to stay divided? This sounds like a position that we face everyday in our lives. Where do we stand? And that question is put to us so often that the answer comes automatic because of our programing. We have a choice but which do we take.
Do we go right or do we go left? Are we naturally inclined to the right but the persuasion and influence of the left draws us in. We fight. We struggle. But it is only with the help of something stronger than ourselves that we are able to stay the course. Where do we find the strength? Where do we find the courage, the enlightenment, the belief, the faith and the hope to continue each day.
We are spiritual beings encased in a physical body. We live in the physical but we belong to the spiritual. Our physical existence is given to us without our asking. Yet our spiritual being requires feeding, requires nourishment, takes exercise and practice for it to grow and develop into the life of its own. It is there but we need to recognize it and feed it. And we have a source that will lead and guide us along the way. But the need and desire to grow is up to us. It is our decision where to stand, to the right or to the left. Where do we want to be? Do we want to be with the authority of the universe or do we want to be with physical realm of death? The answer is ours only. No one can make it for us but many can influence. Will you answer my question or will I answer yours?
Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage nd then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ . The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.
