Tuesday, March 26, 2024

           On this Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders of Israel.  The questioning centered on Jesus’ authority and why He possessed both the power and prerogative to do the amazing things He did or taught the way He taught.  Much of Israel neither knew Christ nor received Him as the Messiah and Son of God.  Matthew recorded this line of questioning for us, “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?’” (Matthew 21:23).  That is a bold line of interrogation!  They never realized that they were asking their Creator this question.  Can you imagine interrogating the Maker of heaven and earth?
            Christ possessed that authority because He is God.  All authority in heaven and on earth has been entrusted to Him and Him alone.  When it comes to the matter of trust, there is no one better to trust than Christ alone.  In Colossians, Paul wrote these words about Christ, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).  Trust and authority go together.  We trust Christ because He is the Lord of life and Lord of all.  That is AUTHORITY in all caps!  From one end of the universe to the other, Christ is Lord!  Because Christ is Lord, He alone is worthy of our trust and faith.   
            We read in Job 38:4, “Where were you, when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me if you understand.”  Wow!  Our best response is to bow in humble praise and thanksgiving for the blessings that Christ has made.  Give thanks on this Tuesday for the authority of Christ over life and death, sin and salvation, you and me! Christ reigns and made us a Kingdom and priests to serve our God!