Luke 20:1-8 (NRSV)
Jesus' teaching authority
One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?" He answered them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" They discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet." So they answered that they did not know where it came from. Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)
BY WHAT AUTHORITY
I guess I don't
understand
why I need your permission
to tell the good news
to those who need to hear it?
By what authority?
Should it be by your authority?
By that in Rome?
By priests and scribes and teachers?
Or can it simply be by
I AM'S AUTHORITY
May I proclaim good news
because he sent me
empowered me
equipped me
prepared me
and commissioned me
to read good news
preach good news
and BE good news
on this planet?
You can't even answer simple
questions
Why do you dare ask me
complex ones
I need no earthly authority
I am the only authority
that truly exists
I will not tell you
a thing!
INVITATION
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