Authority

"Some people brought to him (Jesus) a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven.' 'Blasphemy! This man talks like he is God!', some of the teachers of religious law said among themselves. Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, 'Why are you thinking such evil thoughts? Is it easier to say, 'You're sins are forgiven' or 'Get up and walk'? I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have authority on earth to forgive sins.' Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 'Stand up, take your mat and go on home, because you are healed!' And the man jumped up and went home." 
Matthew 9:2-7 
 
Growing up, it didn't take me long to figure out that my parents were in charge. No meant no. Yes meant yes. Expectations and consequences were clearly explained and consistently enforced. As a result, I default to respecting authority, appreciating it and even desiring it. I've also noticed that this respect for authority makes me exceptionally angry when those in authority abuse it or when those who are not in authority act as if they are.

Jesus' conversation in our verses for the day reveal that authority is indeed a particularly significant issue. By proclaiming to forgive sins, Jesus was revealing his identity as God the Son. His enemies picked up on it immediately and called him a blasphemer - a liar of the vilest sort. There was no way they could have seen what was coming next. Proof positive. A paralyzed man sent home dancing in the streets.

Jesus has been, is and always will be in charge. Regardless of our disposition toward authority in general, there are times we all look at him and say, "You're not the boss of me!" For all of our bravado, the reality is that he is. We can willingly humble ourselves now or we will be forced to humble ourselves later. Honestly, who would we rather want calling the shots than the who loves us so much that he gave up his life to rescue us?

Grace and Peace,
 
Tom Wiles
tom@fallcreekchristian.org

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