Sunday, August 16, 1998
Sunday, August 16, 1998
They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having
authority. (Mark 1:22
NRSV)
One of the impressive things about Jesus to the people who knew him was his authority. That is
what impressed the people who heard him teach. He taught as one with authority.
I remember reading about a man who went to see a doctor about a headache. A large,
businesslike nurse was behind the receptionist's desk. "I'd like to see the doctor," said the man.
"I have a headache." The nurse said sharply, "Go in that room, close the door, and take off your
clothes." "But ma'am,..." "Get in that room, close the door, and take off your clothes." Well,
what did he do? He went into the room, closed the door, and took off his clothes. Suddenly he
realized that another man was in the room with him. He also had his clothes off. He said to the
other man, "I can't believe I'm standing here like this and all I've got is a headache." To which the
other man complained, "You think you've got problems! I just came in to read the meter!"
Some people seem to have that kind of authority. Jesus spoke with authority. Do we allow the
authority of Jesus Christ to speak to us?
Prayer: Loving God, speak to me with authority through your son. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA