DECEMBER 30
MATTHEW 7:29_and not as the Scribes.
Jesus’ authority came from His Father in Heaven. We need earthly authority during our days in this world, but ultimate authority reigns in heaven.
The Scribes and Pharisees craved…no…the better word is lusted, for power and authority and for admiration and respect. They wanted exactly what Jesus had.
Admiration and respect encourage and build up those in authority. When the authority desires to place fear in those they rule, respect becomes an ultimatum. It does not administer love. Remember, sometimes love is administered with a firm hand. Since the people were astonished by Jesus’ kind of teaching, and saw it as totally different from the Scribes’ teaching—they obviously had not been administered love by their authorities. Their respect must have been more of an ultimatum.
Jesus’ teachings led to truth and freedom. It gave the people answers to their struggles and created freedom in their souls.
This authority loves.
The Scribes’ teachings led to fear and bondage. The people feared the consequences if they rejected their teachings. It created bondage of the soul.
This authority oppresses.
PRAYER
Good Shepherd, I respect and admire You because You give love to me! In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ has the ultimate authority—He uses it to love me!
The Works of Her Hands 