The Authority of Jesus: Worship, Truth, and Ultimate Allegiance

Summary

Jesus’ authority extends over worship, leadership, government, Scripture, and the human heart. He confronted religious leaders, removed worship barriers, exposed hypocrisy, and clarified loyalty to both God and government. Jesus interpreted Scripture with divine insight and summarized God’s law as wholehearted love for God expressed through sacrificial love for others. His authority demands personal reflection, obedience, and genuine devotion.

When the Authority of Jesus Is Challenged

A man in the pew once contradicted me while I was a guest speaker at a church. Awkward moment! Similarly, people often questioned Jesus’ authority.

Cleansing Worship from Hidden Barriers

Jesus has authority over worship practices (Mark 11:27–33). His Temple cleansing enraged the Jewish religious leaders.

They fired two questions like missiles at Him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” “And who gave you authority to do this?” (Mark 11:28, NIV).

Jesus asked them whether John’s baptism was from heaven or of human origin. They said they did not know. If they said from heaven, they knew He would ask them why they did not believe Him. If of human origin, they would upset most of the people.

Jesus implied that God’s authority undergirded His and John’s authority. He cleansed the temple because the spiritual leaders’ desire for financial gain had effectively blocked worship.

Worship blockers persist. Among them are late Saturday nights, Sunday morning arguments, no heart preparation, habitual inattention, unconfessed sin, and a self-controlled life.

The solution is both discipline and divine cleansing. What interferes with your worshipping God in spirit and truth?

A Parable That Exposed False Leadership

Jesus described His authority over religious leaders with a parable (Mark 12:1–12). The vineyard represented Israel. The owner represented God; the tenants, the Jewish leaders; the servants, the prophets; and the only son and heir, Jesus.

In the parable, the tenants were expected to submit to the son. The leaders knew He was talking about them. The words stung.

God’s word speaks to you. Sometimes, it stings. It is best to apply it to yourself before considering how it applies to others.

Authority Over Governments and Allegiance

Two days before Jesus’ death, some Herodians and Pharisees tried to trap Jesus verbally. If Jesus said tribute money should be paid to Caesar, the people would turn against Him. If He said it should not, He would upset the Romans.

They thought they had Him. Then Jesus said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17 NIV). Human governments and God have claims on your life.

Jesus’ authority gives human government its derived authority. Paying your taxes is part of submission to the government. Giving God yourself is part of submitting to Him (Romans 12:1).

Authority to Interpret Scripture and Truth

Jesus had the authority to interpret Holy Scripture (Mark 12:18-27). The Sadducees described a hypothetical situation to make the doctrine of the resurrection appear foolish.

In response, Jesus’ interpretation of Exodus 3:6 showed that Abraham had a continuing relationship with God more than five hundred years after he died. Jesus said the Sadducees did not know the Scriptures well enough. How are you avoiding their errors?

The Greatest Command: Love God and Others

Jesus had the authority to summarize the Old Testament (Mark 12:28-34). He said the appropriate response to God’s love for you is to love Him with all your being and to serve Him.

You also express real love for God through self-sacrificially loving others. The heart of the Old Testament and Christianity is love that sacrifices to benefit others.

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