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?”

Mark 11:27-28 (NIV)

Jesus was being questioned by the religious leaders on his legitimacy as a preacher and teacher. Since they have a very difficult time recognising who He claims to be—the Son of God who is God—they wanted to know who gave Jesus the authority to do what He did. (John 1:1-4, 3:16-17, 14:6)

Jesus had authority because of who He is, as well as because of what He said and did. He maintained this consistency throughout His life and ministry on earth. In the four gospels, we see Jesus demonstrating His divine authority again and again over sin, nature, evil spirits, illnesses and diseases and circumstances. Jesus still possesses His authority today because of the finished work of the cross. Because of this, we are able to affirm that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Do you believe Jesus has authority over you?

To be His follower means you are choosing to obey Him and willingly do what He says. It does take humility and trust to submit to His authority. The strength of true obedience comes from being in Him and being loved by Him. This produces faith in us because His Spirit who dwells within us gives us the power to do what He wants.

Our obedience is a response to Jesus’ sacrificial and unconditional love.

Until we fully comprehend how much God loves and accepts us in Christ, we will reject His authority and question His goodness. The more the gospel of God’s grace dominates our thoughts and emotions, the more eager we are to submit to God's will and instructions for our lives. In another word, keep hearing the good news so that the transforming power of Christ might work in every aspect of your life.