Authority
by Tatiana Overduin
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Who gave you this authority? (Luke 20:2b)
Read Luke 20:1–8
So far this week, our readings have built on a foundation of God’s truth, and today’s devotion reiterates this message established in God’s word.
Jesus is questioned by the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders about the authority of his words and actions. And in response, Jesus refers to another part of his story: to John. John was born for a purpose and chosen by God to prepare the way for him: for Jesus as Saviour. Here, Jesus consults events that have already occurred, through John’s experience, who was also part of God’s truth about the way of life to Jesus.
As the prophet Isaiah proclaimed: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God’ (Isaiah 40:3).
We, too, can trust in the Bible, God’s holy word, given to us as a gift for our very existence to verify ‘the truth’. Here, Scripture is referenced against Scripture to test the truth.
Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is the Word. Jesus said: ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth’ (Mathew 28:18).
The Bible continues to be a guide for us today: to take reassurance in what and who the truth is.
So, when we are tempted to be swayed by ‘all kinds of truths and authorities’ in this world, we can continue to lean on and rest in Jesus’ truth and authority.
And just as the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders could not confirm an answer in response to Jesus’ authority and the truth, we can have faith in his power and peace.
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’ (Luke 2:14).
Holy Triune God, the authority over all things in heaven and on earth. Help us to become faithful to your word, the truth. We pray that we can continue to develop our dependence on your word of truth to share your message of hope with others. May we continually seek to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who comforts and reassures us through your word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Tatiana is married to Jim, and they live at Largs North, a seaside location in Adelaide. They have two adult children and six grandchildren who are a wonderful blessing to them both. Tatiana teaches full-time as an English, History and Religion teacher; she gained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Australian Lutheran College in 1996 and, in her spare time, she enjoys knitting, gardening, singing for church, writing and swimming. Her home congregation is Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide.
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