Proof of Authority

Scripture: Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:23

Observation: This is actually an amazing question. The priests are not challenging the veracity of Jesus' teaching, but are instead asking about his authority - does Jesus have an authoritative right to teach? However, the question is rooted in two items - by what and from whom is the authority.

It is also interesting that, while Jesus has answered this similar challenge before (stating on other occasions that he has authority from God as the Messiah), in this situation he refuses to answer. There is something about this specific context and manner of question that is different, and Jesus instead refuses to answer.

Application: The authority of certain teachings in the church today is very important, and very relevant. There are certain churches, pastors, and denominations claiming authority to teach certain doctrine, and it must be asked ... by what authority are they teaching?

And going right back to Jesus, there is only one answer to that question:
-- Authority is granted by God.
-- One's authority is validated by its alignment to the scriptures.

Matthew - the gospel writer who specifically wrote to first century Jews - knows this. Over and over, he quotes Jesus quoting the prophets, correcting others about the law, and aligning his actions to predictions about Messiah. In fact, in the first 16 verses of this chapter, five different times Jesus' words and actions are ascribed as fulfilling Old Testament scripture. Thus the "these things" the priests are discussing are directly out of and aligned to scripture.

Today, as many churches are moving away from scriptural authority, it is critical to see that Jesus himself believed in scriptural authority. He would not claim any authority from others - the crowds, their songs and praise, even miracles did not give him authority. However, the fact his words and deeds aligned to scripture ... that was his authority, and with that alignment in place he did not need to make any other defense of claim.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the chance I have had to be in your word today, and to do so many days. I do need to meditate on your word more often instead of being inside my own thoughts. Your word is perfect, and your teaching through the Bible is wonderful. My I align my thoughts and deeds to scripture, and evaluate others only within that context.