Text: Matthew 21:23-27
Theme: Challenge of Jesus’ Authority
Introduction:
The authority of Jesus was questioned while he was teaching in the Temple in Jerusalem, as reported in all three synoptic gospels: Matthew 21:23–27, Mark 11:27–33 and Luke 20:1–8. During the time of Jesus, chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders were in control of the Temple at Jerusalem. Nothing took place over there in temple without their authority and permission. Sale, exchange of money and entry of people, gentiles into the temple.
The temple is a symbolic of God's authority. John Calvin comments, "Christ did not make a direct reply to them because interrogated him about a matter which was well known."
The purpose of the question posed to Jesus was that the Priests were hoping to trap him. If he claimed that his authority came from God they might be able to accuse him of blasphemy; if he claimed that the authority came from himself, they might be able to ridicule him and make him appear foolish. But Jesus sent the Ball to them to play.
Without Authority society would be chaotic. The most popular Greek word for “authority” is ‘Exousia’ (“power”). This term, is found approximately 102 times in the Greek New Testament.
Authority is residual attribute of God the Father. Paul alludes to Jesus as Creator (Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 8:6b), as does the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:2b). The authority claimed by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Romans are authority to subjugate but Jesus demonstrates his authority in love.
1. Jesus has inborn authority.
Even before Jesus was born, it was prophesied that the authority will rest upon his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).Revelation 2:26 affirms that Jesus gives authority over nations to his church. The Savior’s royal authority was foreshadowed in the prophecy of Jacob (Genesis 49:10).
We read that Messiah has authority over all the nations (Revelation 12:10-11). Jesus told them that all authority on earth and in heaven has given to me (Mathew 28:18-20). This authority is extended to the judgement day. He lays down his life and he takes it back (John 10:18). God has the authorities over all cosmic powers (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Disciples astonished that even the wind, and the sea obey Jesus (Mark 4:40). This authority has come from God (Revelation 2:26).
Jesus has all authority to judge everyone on the earth (John 5:22, 27). Saviour said regarding those whom he had dispatched with his authority. “He who listens to you, is listening to me; and he who rejects you is rejecting me; and he who rejects me is rejecting him who sent me” (Luke 10:16).
No authority on earth except from God (Romans 13:12).
2. Jesus has Authority of Knowledge?
Jesus was teaching with Authority- it was his own, it was gift of the Holy Spirit, it was revealed by Father. Jesus taught them with the one who had authority. Jesus taught them with one having authority (Mark 1:22, Matthew 7:29).
Solomon had Authority of knowledge over everything on the earth. From grass to the space knowledge. Queen Sheba was amazed about his knowledge. (1 Kings 4:29-34, 10:3, 6-9, 23).
Here is the one who is greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42).Jeremiah 1:9-10 says the Lord has given words of authority to Jeremiah over the nations.
3. Jesus has spiritual Authority?
The devil claimed that all authority and glory was given to him (Luke 4:5-7). He talked about the short cut authorities. But Jesus earned through obedience, through prayers and through communication with God (Hebrews 5:7-10).
The superiority of Christ’s authority over Satan (Matthew 12:28-29; Luke 10:17-18; 1 John 4:4).
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19).
Jesus told his disciples that he has given authority over demons (Luke 10:19, 1). It was “The Power of Attorney”. A Power of Attorney is the authority that is given to another person, so as to act on behalf of the issuer in legal or any other matters.
Son of man has authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6, Mark 2:10, Luke 5:24). John 17:2, Jesus prays that Father has “given him authority over all people, to give eternal life.”
Jesus had authority over the death. Jesus raised three people from the dead—the daughter of Jairus (Mathew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43), a widow’s son (Luke 7:11-15), and Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:43-44).
John 1:12 says that Jesus gives authority to those who receive him, who believe in his name to “become children of God”. Authority in this passage is a gift of status.
Jesus gives us the authority to be loved and accepted, to be heirs, to have the same standing before God that he does, to put on his righteousness.
“At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (John 16:23-24).
Conclusion:
The true authority lies upon the leaders who have the spirit of self-denying service. Christ is the highest authority. Therefore, we submit to His words, Scripture, which is our highest authority, today.
