It is divine because his authority heals sickness, forgives sin, and grants eternal life. The ability to do these things is reserved only for God. As Jesus exercised his authority, he shocked the people with it because he was able to do things that only God can do. Unfortunately, the chief priests and the elders cannot reconcile the fact that Jesus can exercise this kind of authority. After all, he is just a man. Or is he? Jesus is God and man.
Jesus challenges them with another question concerning John the Baptist - the one who would prepare the way for him. What kind of authority did he have to baptize like he did? The baptism of John was radical and an insult to the Jews. Immersion in water was a ritual for Gentiles converting to Judaism. It was an insult to invite a Jew to go through such a ritual since they considered themselves children of Abraham with no need of cleansing. Caught between the people and their own unbelief they were not able to discern John's authority. Jesus refuses to answer and leaves them to their fears and unbelief.
I need to come to terms with the reality of Jesus' authority. Do I truly believe that he has authority in heaven and on earth? Why do I hesitate with the authority he has delegated to me as a believer? Am I like the priests and elders, caught between what people might say and my own unbelief, paralyzed in my own faith? Jesus has granted the church (his body) permission and power to finish the work he started. What am I waiting for?
Lord, help me overcome the "what people might think" syndrome. Help me overcome my own unbelief. May I exercise freely the authority you have given me in my life and ministry.
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