Recognizing False Authority

Scripture: When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, “How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!” ... Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas. John 18:22,24

Observation: When Jesus is arrested, he is taken to Annas. Annas is called the "Chief Priest" by some, but he is NOT the Chief Priest. His son-in-law Caiaphas is. Looking up the information, Annas had been Chief Priest, but by this time had not held that position for ~15-20 years. While he is respected by many, he is a person with no official authority. In addition, his appointment as Chief Priest was not part of the official temple process set forth for the descendants of Aaron (though presumably he was of Aaron's line), but instead he had been appointed by the Romans when they defined their command structure over Judaea.

Jesus, interestingly, sees through this false authority model. He is slapped because he effectively refuses to answer to Annas. In so doing, he even goes further, telling Annas to go ask others what he has been teaching, implying that Annas is unworthy of a response from him, and Annas should go talk to the common people about what they heard. There is a lot of sub context to this conversation, but the facts of this exchange are simple ... upon his arrest, Jesus is taken first to a person with no official authority or standing, and Jesus refuses to engage with him in any debate, on any subject.

Application: Over and over again - whether it be during his 'trial' or even earlier throughout his ministry - Jesus demonstrates an interesting principle for believers to follow. Jesus refuses to "debate" with people who initiate the debate from a false or flawed position. Most of the time, this false position is grounded in that person's knowledge or authority ... they believe they are an expert and want to debate some legalistic principle.

The more I see people debating the issues we have around us today, the more fearful I become that we have forgotten Jesus' lesson about how to deal with false authority. Even last night, friends discussed "studying" about certain issues so they could better understand what others are going through, learning how to accept such principles, and starting down the path of even believing that such falsehoods (that have been created by the enemy) are valid and true.

I will not accept the false authority of satan to define truth in our society! Following Jesus, I will therefore not debate those issues, either. I will not stand forward and tell those who are deceived that they are deceived, or wrong, or influenced by evil. I will instead respond as Jesus would, disengaging from the false topic, and discussing instead the truth of Jesus ... his love, his mercy, his patient judgment, and his promise of life. I will cling to one truth, which is the Lord God almighty loves everyone, and has expressed that love through the words and actions of Jesus, and all other issues become moot for those who accept that truth and that authority.

Prayer: Lord, again I say today, I will not debate the issues of our day, because those issues exist only on the basis of lies initiated by false authority. Instead, I will declare only one truth, which is the gospel message of Christ crucified. Amen.