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The continuation of lesson 45 of the Discipleship Making process, where in part one of this lesson we were left answering the questions, “Who is in authority over you at your church?” and “Who do you have authority over at your church?”
In summary of the last lesson, we found Jesus introducing the subject of authority, where we learned that God has always wanted a personal relationship with His people and that their authority would derive from Him because they heard and obeyed His voice, instead of men appointing men based on their knowledge and understanding of the Law, apart from any relationship with God, with the end result, men following men instead of God. It is here that we pick-up where we left off, Jesus’ instruction on authority and its purpose to lead men to follow God alone.
Read: Matthew 23:3-12, Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47
The scribes and Pharisees had developed skill in and knowledge of the Law of Moses through study, but Jesus constantly accused them of being hypocrites. They didn’t apply the Law to themselves nor did they apply it correctly to the people. The reason for that was that they did not have a personal relationship with God in which they could properly hear and obey Him. Outwardly they appeared righteous to the people but inwardly they were corrupt. Although the scribes and Pharisees professed to know and love God, when He actually came to them in the flesh they hated Him (John 5:39-40, 44-47, 10:26-27).
Jesus’ disciples were different then the scribes and Pharisees, they could hear the voice of God because they listened to Jesus and obeyed Him. Jesus issued three important instructions to them regarding authority. First He told them to do and observe everything the scribes and Pharisees said to do in regards to the Law of Moses. In other words, since the scribes and Pharisees are expounding on the Law, which is holy and good then have respect for the Law and pay attention to them because they are experts in regards to it. This is submission to the authority of Scripture.
Secondly, Jesus commanded them not to behave like either the scribes or Pharisees, because they were hypocrites living their lives for the applause of men not God. The disciples were to live their lives in contrast to the scribes and Pharisees. They were to become servants of people and not taking exalted positions of authority.
Finally, Jesus instructed them on proper authority by using three titles that men take upon themselves. His disciples were not to place men in authority over them nor were they to be in authority over others. Instead they were to be constantly pointing people to God.
His disciples are not to let people call them, Rabbi . . . that is teacher. Why? The word Rabbi indicates that he is a master qualified to give instructions for living . . . a guide. Jesus said there is only “One” who is qualified to be your teacher. When Jesus uses the term “One” He is referring to God and more specifically, the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27, John 16:13).
His disciples are not to call anyone on earth their father (not natural fathers but to spiritual fathers). Why? The word father denotes the one who gives life. Jesus said there is only “One” who gives life, that is your Father in heaven, the Creator (Galatians 3:26, Psalm 82:6).
His disciples are not to let people call them, leaders. Why? A leader is someone that people follow. Jesus said there is only “One” who is appointed to lead, that is Christ (Acts 2:36, Matthew 4:19).
The point of the lesson is a believer’s true authority comes from God and they are to behave as His servants.
With that, allow me to leave you with these questions to consider, along with a little homework assignment until my next posting:
- When will this time of false prophets and birth pangs be?
- What will be the sign of your coming?
- What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Today, the church has become a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people for Gods own possession (1 Peter 2:9). How then should we live?
Until next time . . . Godspeed!
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