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Matthew 21:23

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

The religious leaders were bold with their questions. They did not realize that they were looking God in the eyes and asking what authority He had over His dwelling place—the structure He designed as a place of worship! It would be like asking you, “What authority do you have to park your car in your garage?” Jesus’ restraint is amazing.

And…His patience remains. Are we that much different than the religious leaders? We ask similar questions, don’t we?

Jesus, what authority do You have to tell me how I should live my life? I will pick and choose the instructions that I want to follow.

Jesus, what authority do You have to tell me who to date? I’ll date a non-believer if I want.

Jesus, what authority do You have over my marriage? I want a divorce and I’m getting one—biblical grounds or not.

Jesus, what authority do You have over my heart? I will follow the desires of open or secret sin without Your permission.

Jesus, what authority do You have over the money I earn? I will spend my money on my things and give to You from what’s left over.

Many times we are not that much different from the religious leaders. Knowing what God says in His Word, we look Him in the eyes and ask, “What authority do You have over me?”

Father, forgive me for acting much more like the religious leaders than I care to admit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

God, Who Are You in My Shaken World?