There are two ways to ask the above questions. One way is to honestly examine the astounding works Jesus did and to humbly seek out the source of His power (see Acts 17:11). Such an individual wants to know Jesus' ultimate authority because he wishes to submit to it. This person can be said to be seeking the Father.
Another way to ask these questions is not so much to find out the true answer, but to inquire with the aim of handcuffing Jesus and preventing Him from exercising further authority. Such individuals wish to control their own lives, and don't want interference from Jesus or the heavenly Father (see Jn 5:40). As long as the Lord allows things to go as they prefer, they will allow Him to continue to work in their lives. When the Lord takes authority in a manner opposed to their will, they start asking questions. Modern versions of these 2000-year-old questions might be:
Sadly, when we question Jesus for the purpose of tying His hands in our lives, He will respect our decision for quite some time – before He exercises final authority on Judgment Day. May many thousands of people accept Jesus' authority today, while they still have time.
| PRAYER: | Father, have Your way in my life. I am all Yours. |
| PROMISE: | "Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the way." –Ps 25:8 |
| PRAISE: | It was in the darkest prison that St. John wrote some of his most beautiful work. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College