Becoming a Stronger Disciple

WHAT’S A DISCIPLE’S AUTHORITY?

I want to always remember the foundations for what I believe and how I live.

(Mark 11:27-33) They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to Him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You authority to do this?” Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism - was it from heaven, or from men? Tell Me!” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’...” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

1. The Scoffers are the Majority

(Mark 11:27) The chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to Him.

A. The scoffers in this world seem to always have the disciples outnumbered.

B. Their greater number does not mean they have the greater authority.

C. Their position lacks one vital ingredient – TRUTH!

2. The Scripture is the Priority

(11:15-16) On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.

A. Convenience can become our priority.

B. Tradition can become our priority.

C. Common sense can become our priority.

D. Scripture takes priority over convenience and tradition and common sense.

3. The Savior is the Authority

(11:28) “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You authority to do this?”

(Matthew 28:16-18) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him... Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

A. Jesus has absolute authority over heaven and earth.

B. Only Jesus has absolute authority over me.