Scripture

Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority.

Observation

Jesus returns to Capernaum. There, some people bring on a mat a paralysed man. Jesus says to him, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Some of the teachers of the law are upset by this. Jesus says, “I will prove my authority to forgive sins.” He then heals the man.

Everyone is amazed by this, and the people marvel at Jesus’ great authority.

Jesus then sees a tax collector named Matthew whom He calls to follow him. The Pharisees question why Jesus associates with scum like tax collectors. Jesus responds by saying it is the sick people who need a doctor not healthy people.

Application

The question of authority seems to have been a big issue for some people. They were often questioning where Jesus got His authority from, whether it was authority to heal or teach or to forgive sins.

All human authority comes ultimately from God, whether we recognise it or not. He is the one who puts governmental rulers and spiritual leaders in place.

As christians, we have authority over the evil spirits, authority to heal and perform miracles, authority to preach the gospel. This authority flows from God and is dependent on us remaining in close relationship to God.

We need to be under proper authority in order to exercise authority.

Prayer

Lord, please show me how to walk in the authority you have given me. Amen.