By What Authority Are You Doing These Things?
BRD REFLECTION 2025
(Esther Wong from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
In my readings, the verse that captivated my thoughts was Luke 20:2 –
“Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things?”
OBSERVE:
The preceding verses in Luke 19:45-48 paint a picture of the surmounting tension between Jesus and the chief priests, the scribes, and the religious leaders. They were against Jesus who drove out the temple traders and for the things that Jesus taught the people daily in the temple.
In John 20, the religious leaders confronted Jesus by probing His authority. Jesus was under the authority of God the Father. However, these Jews were not sincerely seeking to know who sent Jesus; they wanted to discredit Him in front of the multitude. In the exchange that ensued, Jesus answered them indirectly with a parable of the wicked vinedressers ( v9-19). I note an insidious grab for power and authority by the Jews, as they attempt to catch Jesus in what He said and deliver Him over to the authority of the ruling Roman governor (v20).
APPLY:
I learn two crucial aspects of a believer’s authority: Firstly, I am pointed to the God who gave Jesus His authority. As Jesus said to His disciples “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). I carry the authority of a disciple of Christ and I should submit to the power of this authority, in alignment with God’s will for me.
Secondly, I need to exercise godly wisdom and righteous judgement with this authority. The Greek word for authority is ‘exousia,’ which encompasses (i) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases; (ii) physical and mental power; (iii) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege); (iv) judicial decisions, of authority to manage domestic affairs. [G1849 – exousia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nkjv)]
DO:
As a disciple of Christ, I am called to exercise this Christ-given authority responsibly over those under my authority and sphere of influence, as well as over myself as I struggle with sin, temptation and evil in this world. I need to build a strong relationship and foundation in the Word of God as exemplified by Jesus.
I recognise my spiritual authority in the Great Commission: I am endowed with spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit to serve and minister effectively within the body of Christ. I am empowered to share the Gospel and heal the sick, to stand firm covered by the spiritual armour of authority (Eph 6:10-18) to proclaim God’s truth and resist spiritual attacks.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge Your sovereignty over my life.
Let my faith be anchored in and directed by Your Living Word.
Guide and guard my ways in submission and in true freedom to Your greater plan.
Help me to balance authority and submission in my life, vocation and ministry.
Teach me to relinquish control, to trust in Your timing and purpose for me.
Lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen.
