“Jesus and All Authority” (Pt. 2) (May 7, 2019)

Allen Raynor Weblog: “Jesus and All Authority” (Pt. 2)

(May 7, 2019)

 

          When someone writes a scholarly work or if they make a speech or give a presentation about something they will regularly cite other authoritative voices from the past and/or present.  These citations will include known scholars in their field who have weighed in on the subject.  If it is a book or article there are footnotes with names, book titles, titles of articles, publishers, dates, etc. as they are simply adding to the research and advancing and interacting with the thoughts of those who came before them.  The goal is to offer as much credibility as possible to the argument set forth.

          In Matthew 7:29 we read, in reference to Jesus, “For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”  In New Testament times, scribes would often cite other authorities in order to lend as much credibility to their statements as possible.  In sharp contrast to the common practice of the scribes, Jesus’s words were self-authenticating.  In the body of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus had used clear, direct wording to establish authority for His Words.  These were words and concepts previously unknown.  In Matthew 5:20 He says “For I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven.”  In 5:22 He says “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment, and whoever says to his brother ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council.  But whoever says ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”  In 5:26 He says “Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.”  In 5:28 He says “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  In 5:32 He says “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”

          In John 7:45-52, John records an incident where Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of the day.  In the midst of the back and forth seen there, we have an astonishing and candid comment made in vs. 46 by officers to the chief priests and Pharisees.  It says “The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this Man!’” (John 7:46)  Even those who were not necessarily looking to recognize “authority,” immediately recognized authority coming from Jesus.  It was obvious, undeniable, and right there in plain sight before their eyes and ears!  The authority of Jesus is obvious to anyone who will take an honest look.  There has never been another like Jesus!  The Sermon on the Mount Jesus preached is brimming with all manner of authority.  The implied question for those who first heard it and for anyone who ever reads it is “What will you do now?”  When I consider the response all should have, I cannot help but think of the words of the great hymn written by John H. Sammis, “Trust and Obey.”  The first stanza reads “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way; while we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.  (chorus) Trust and obey, for there’s no better way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”  The last stanza reads “Then in fellowship sweet, we will set at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way; what He says we will do, where He sends we will go; never fear only trust and obey.  (chorus) Trust and obey, for there’s no better way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 

In Christ,

 

Dr. Allen Raynor, Pastor