Your Authority

Mark 1:21-22 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.  
 
WHAT happens when you are in the presence of someone who really knows what she’s talking about? She exudes authority in her knowledge. Her way of speaking assures you she has a mastery of her facts.  
   When Scriptures says Jesus taught as one who had authority, it is apparent people were absolutely confident of his knowledge. They knew he had a mastery of his topic. And, in fact, one of the terms used to address him was “Master”. Luke used “Master” several times to record the disciples’ respect for Jesus.  
   And there’s something much more to Jesus’ authority than his words. Jesus demonstrated his authority in the way he taught the Law of Moses. He turned it from a legalistic code that restricted the Jews’ lives into what it was meant to be – God’s code of freedom to lead Israel into a worshipful relationship with him. The law’s two great commands to love God and love one another (Mark 12:30-31) could only come from God, who is love (1 John 4:8). God did not create a nation to enslave them. He developed a nation to love him and receive his love. Jesus’ authority of the Scriptures – the Old Testament – displayed the reality of God’s love to his people.  
   One way Jesus conveyed his authority to teach was with the key phrase, “I tell you the truth.” The four gospels record he spoke this 70 times as he conveyed his fundamental kingdom teachings. A prophet, scribe or pharisee would be restricted to say, “The LORD says.” as he taught the Law or delivered God’s message to Israel. When Jesus said, “I tell you.” he is claiming he is Son of God, speaking the Father’s words. He and the Father are one. Jesus did and said all the Father told him. “Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.” (John 14:10-12)  
   Jesus displayed his authority in all he did and said. He spoke with authority over demons (Mark 1:27), authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), authority over the temple (Mark 11:28-32), authority over nature (Mark 4:9). He is the author of life and had authority over death (John 11:43); and over his own death: John 10:17 “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again.”  
   The lesson is simple and profound. Do you confess the author of your salvation is your authority?