Healthy Authority

Ezra 7- 8; Luke 20 

“’Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,’ they said. ‘Who gave you this authority?’…’Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.’”

Luke 20:2, 46, 47

The Jewish teachers of the law challenged Jesus’ authority to heal, teach, and receive worship. Jesus challenged their self-serving religious authority which exploited the most vulnerable.

Whose authority came from God?

How can we discern God-given spiritual authority today?

Authority that comes from God is not self-seeking; it gives glory to God. Authority that comes from man is competitive, prideful, and positional. When God-given spiritual authority is also positional, the Church can grow in faith, hope, and love.

“Lord God, I repent for self-seeking expressions of authority which grieve the Holy Spirit. Lead and love through me, for your glory.”