Kingdom Authority

Jesus is questioned by the chief priests and elders in the Temple, "By what authority do you act?" (Mark 11:27-33). But Jesus asks them back a question, "By what authority did John the Baptist act?" The temple priests are not ready to answer. They are opportunists.

When you ask questions, you need to be open to the truth. Or are you afraid that you may get the correct answer? All depends on your openness. Truth could become a victim to our power-games (politics), selfishness, etc. How often have we been like those temple priests who dared to question, but didn't have the courage to face the answer (truth)?

Jesus was asked by outer authority. Authority is more about authenticity and truth, than mere power or control. Authority without authenticity is manipulation. Jesus seems to say that both inner conviction born of authenticity and outer authority need to go hand in hand. We ourselves have seen how much harm being done by power-politics which has no responsibility or commitment towards truth.

The core of authority should be truth, and also love. We need both power and love. Power apart from love leads to brutality; but love that does not engage with power is mere sentimentality. A lot of Christians today are still trapped in one or the other. Can we today, like Jesus, put both power and truth (both power and love) together? He had the courage and power to stand up to the petty politics that the temple priests were playing, but he also had the inner authenticity and true love for his people.... That's why we see him in the temple premises teaching and interacting with people. That's the Kingdom authority that is preached by Jesus.