True authority shows itself in Love

Morning: Psalms 1, 2, 3; Isaiah 1:10-20; I Thessalonians 1:1-10

Evening: Psalms 4, 7; Amos 2:6-16; Luke 20:1-8

Has anyone in authority ever shouted at you? Jesus exercises authority, but not like that. The chief priests ask where his authority comes from?  Instead of arguing with them he asks them whether John’s Baptism was from God?  His question challenges them because they know the people believe John was a prophet.  True authority shows itself quietly, not in noisy rhetoric or domineering behaviour.  Jesus challenges old regimes quietly, even as he hangs on the cross.  In him, the authority of healing and forgiving love asserts itself until everyone acknowledges how powerful Love is.  True authority shows itself in Love.