Today's readings are Numbers 16.41-17.13 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+16.41-17.13 ), Luke 20.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+20.1-18 ), and Numbers 18.1-19.22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+18.1-19.22 ).
In Luke 20, Jesus gives an interesting response to those who would accuse him. He refuses to answer their question unless they answer his question. The question, in fact, is the same. It's one we all do well to ask and to answer. Where does the authority of Jesus' teaching come from? Where does the authority for what we teach, confess, and believe about Jesus come from? What right do we have to insist things be done in this way, that way, or the other way? What is our standard of truth?
The Pharisees, like most anybody who has been confronted with the truth of God as presented in Scripture, actually know the answer to the question they ask and the question Jesus asks. Jesus' authority comes from God the Father. It comes naturally from his identity as the second person of the Trinity. They can look at the Scripture and see this authority is the authority which comes only from God.
Let's have an authority check. Does God supply our authority to teach and do what we do? If he has done that, let us do it, trusting the power of God almighty. If God has not given us authority to do something, let us not consider we are acting in the authority of God. So with knowledge of God's word, let us go forth in the power and authority of our Lord and Savior.
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