Who’s authority
Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” Matthew 21:23
Authority plays a significant role in our society. Governments, public servants, and other organizations are entrusted with authority to enforce laws and maintain order. While human authorities are far from perfect, having them in place is essential to prevent chaos, confusion, and rampant crime. Authority provides structure, which is the foundation for a functioning society.
Yet, above all earthly authorities, God is the ultimate authority and the true source of power in this world and the universe. In today’s passage, Jesus is questioned about the source of His authority to perform good works and miracles. At first glance, it looks like Jesus is rebelling against authority, but that’s not the case. Jesus perfectly modeled submission to rightful authority.
He was always submitted to God and fulfilled God’s law perfectly. He honored governing authorities, as seen when He paid taxes. He submitted to His earthly parents and even began His public miracles at His mother’s request. He honored John the Baptist, recognizing him as the forerunner of His ministry. Most importantly, Jesus served others—His followers, the broken, and the hurting. Though He was the greatest leader, His leadership wasn’t about gaining followers but about being the perfect example of God’s love and teaching others to love and serve as He did.
We are called to submit to authority as well. Our ultimate allegiance is to God, but scripture makes it clear that we are also to submit to governing authorities and pray for our leaders (see Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2). Ephesians 5:21 encourages us to submit to one another out of love, serving one another as an act of obedience to God. Being part of a local church or ministry provides opportunities to worship, serve, and grow alongside other believers. We were created to care for each other, and when we live out this purpose, we experience true joy and fulfillment.
Take a moment today to reflect on your own life. Are you submitted to the authorities God has placed over you?
First and foremost, are you fully submitted to God and His Word? Do you accept His Word as the final authority in every area of your life? Have you surrendered to His plan and purpose for you?
Have you found your place within the body of Christ? Are you actively serving and growing in a local church or ministry where you can contribute to the work of the Kingdom?
Are you praying for those in authority over you? Whether it’s your government leaders, pastor, employer, spouse, or others in leadership, do you regularly pray for their protection, grace, and wisdom from God?
Today I want to encourage you to remember that prayer has the power to make a difference, not only in the lives of those you lift up but also in your own heart and perspective. Start today by intentionally submitting to the authorities God has established in your life and faithfully lifting them up in prayer. As you do, watch how God moves in your life and the world around you.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:23-27
23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”
24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things:
25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.”
27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.”
And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
The Daily Dose 