A Surprise Regarding Authority

S - "Jesus and his followers went to the town of Capernaum. Then on the next Sabbath he went into the synagogue and started teaching. Everyone was amazed at his teaching. He taught with authority, and not like the teachers of the Law of Moses. … Everyone was completely surprised and kept saying to each other, “What is this? It must be some new kind of powerful teaching! Even the evil spirits obey him.” News about Jesus quickly spread all over Galilee." Mark 1 TS

O -There is no doubt that the teaching of Jesus is unlike any other. It was amazing when he first spoke it and it remains just as amazing today. The people then immediately connected it with the power and authority to dispatch demons and heal the sick.  And this is a problem to this very day. Culture, religious and otherwise, looks to content alone to validate and influence. But Jesus was very clear on this point.  His authority did not come from the content or presentation of information, new or old. It came from his relationship with his Father.  He says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me"; not to the content of my teaching or the quoting of Scriptures. His teaching didn't give him authority, his authority and relationship with his Father infused his teaching and actions.  He will always be the point heaven is making, offering and honoring. 

A -Jesus is the good news from heaven, not information.  Scriptures do not reveal him or his Father, they testify them so all would come to him for life (John 5:39-40; Matthew 11:27).  The information (teaching), as wonderful and important as it may be, is not the point nor the source of power or authority. Jesus is. We are not loved, saved or included because of what he said or what we think he said.  We are loved, saved and included by Jesus who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Surprise!  The gospel is a person.  The Kingdom of God is relationships. He treats all people the same. Being near is more important than being right!   

P - Lord,

You remain surprising and amazing to this very day everywhere.  Thank you for being sent to the world - all 7.6 billion.  All authority is yours.  You are the point.  You are very near.  You love us first and most and refuse to change your mind.  Thank you for the great dignity to love you back, to come near and to follow. Nothing is too difficult, impossible or too wonderful for you -- and anyone can ask anything!

Asking according to your person,

Steve