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 I have a problem with authority. I always have. My upbringing and my education gave me confidence that I had the ability to determine for myself what was true or false, good or bad, right or wrong. As far as I could tell, authority tended to be fallible, so I typically went along with authority so long as authority went along with what I wanted.
The only problem with this approach is that it really makes me the ultimate authority in the universe. I ultimately decide what is true or false, good or bad, right or wrong. And unfortunately, I came to see pretty quickly that I was just as fallible as other authorities I had once challenged. Now where to turn?
The advantage of being an authority figure is it gives you a greater sense of being in control of your life. I think there’s something in all of us that wants to shout, “You’re not the boss of me!” at those who do in fact have some authority over our lives. We’re so desperate to be in control, even when we know we’re really not, that we cling to any shred of authority we can hold on to. I’m reminded of the scene in that cult classic “Mommie Dearest” where Joan Crawford’s daughter, having been screamed at by her mother for disturbing her beauty sleep, is next seen scolding her dolls for their thoughtlessness.
During his last week on earth, Jesus found his authority being challenged repeatedly by the existing power structure in Jerusalem. Luke 20 tells us that the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came up to Jesus and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” They wanted proof to satisfy their own minds that Jesus was in the right. But the problem wasn’t really one of proof. Jesus had already done many wonderful things for the people—he taught them, he fed them, he healed them. The problem for these leaders is that Jesus’ authority challenged the control that they so desperately clung to. Submitting to Jesus would mean giving up their position of power.
Maybe you’re thinking, “Surely you’re reading too much into their motives.” Keep reading. Jesus wasn’t interested in satisfying their desire to control him, to put him on the spot. So they gave up challenging him directly and sent spies to ask him questions that might get him in trouble with the Roman government. But once again, Jesus saw through their craftiness. Jesus had the kind of authority that didn’t feel any need to prove himself to anyone.
Finally, as a last ditch effort, another group called the Sadducees, religious leaders without much need for religion, asked him a question designed to mock his teachings. Jesus’ response showed that he knew the issues at hand far better than they did. In fact, his explanation was so to the point that even his enemies acknowledged that he had spoken well. No one dared to ask him any questions after that.
The real irony about these events is that Jesus was on his way to the cross. Jesus was about to demonstrate his authority by laying down his life. He once told his disciples that he had authority to lay down his life and to take it up again. Most of us tend to use authority to preserve ourselves. Jesus used his authority to save others. By his authority he willingly submitted to death so that those who come to him might have life.
It turns out my problem with authority is just that—my problem. |