By What Authority?

Gospel: Mark 11: 27-33

The opponents of Jesus want to know by what authority he does the things he does and teaches the things he teaches.  What rabbinic school, what council of elders, what decree from the empire has authorized Jesus to do what he does?  None exist, and so the only move is to assert divine authority, but Jesus does not do that either, knowing the problems that exist in verification and warrant in such an assertion.  

Throughout Jesus' trials before the religious and secular authorities of his day, he will appeal to two sources of warrant: the goodness of his deeds, and the truth of his words.  These two things alone are the evidence that someone acts and speaks with divine sanction.  It is not dependent upon an office or degree or dictate of any government, religion, or institution.  Authority comes from goodness and truth alone.

Many people have the authority of religious, governmental, and educational institutions but these are no guarantee that the deeds performed are good or the words spoken are true.  Sadly we have seen all too often that the opposite is the case.  But if we pattern our deeds and words on those of Jesus, seeking to insure that our deeds are good and our words true, then we can be sure we are following the Way of God in our own lives.