Jesus gives authority to us

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

I like that Jesus’ authority is now getting so clearly recognised that it is making religious people uncomfortable if they thought they were in charge or had everything worked out. I don’t like that this power struggle was starting to result in hardening of leaders’ hearts and misunderstanding of Jesus’ work, as if it were powered by demons. But we know from how the story must finish that conflict between Jesus and other authorities was inevitable.

But I love what Jesus does with his authority to empower his followers. His commission to them to share about God’s kingdom coming was backed up with power for them to do what he did.

I also love how Jesus could reframe a believer’s whole sense of purpose and potential if they had received something from him. “Freely you have received, freely give.” Do I believe this?

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God wants his kingdom to displace every opposing authority in the world. He makes this happen through the lives of believers who obey Jesus by following his example, relying on him and showing practical love to other people. Jesus tells his disciples how to live on God’s mission in practice, in relationship with welcoming people and unafraid of opposition. He can expect big faith stretches from us because he has empowered us under his authority.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Sometimes I think of myself spiritually like a barrel that wants to be filled up and keeps needing refills because I’m a bit broken and leaky. But that isn’t what Jesus called believers to be. Something that freely receives and gives is more like a pipe. It can keep giving out spiritual blessings because it’s plugged into the source and Jesus has made it clean and useful. That’s what I want to be, more of a pipe than a barrel, not being filled for my own satisfaction but for God to use me for his kingdom purposes.

But if I’m wanting to give more, am I receiving from him, or trying to operate in my own strength? (Regular readers may spot this as a recurring theme..,) I should be more clear with myself and God about what I have received and need more of from God. I will be specific about that over the next few days, writing it down to remind myself of my need for God’s provision and being more able to spot answers to prayer when they happen!

Who am I going to share this with?

People on “The SHAPE of you” course as we continue to develop our sense of what God has shaped and empowered us to be and do.