RBWords

 JUNE 1, 2013  ST. JUSTIN, martyr

 

     Occasionally one hears the expression:  "Who appointed him/her?" when someone seems to be acting as if they are in charge of a situation where there is no obvious credential for their actions!  Jesus has come to Jerusalem and created quite a fuss by "cleaning the temple!"  The principal religious authorities are moving cautiously because a riot would attract the attention of the Roman authorities!  So, the delegation that comes to Jesus is a high-level group probably from the Sanhedrin.  The reputation of John the Baptist was significant enough that the delegation would know of him.  If they cannot answer Jesus' question about John because of their fear of the crowds, they would not understand Jesus' claim to authority either.  The answer is obviously, "from God," but their faith would not allow them to admit this.  Only someone who believes in Jesus can accept that his authority comes from God.

 

     There are many who are willing to consider Jesus as a kind of prophet or great moral teacher, but not willing to consider him as divine or as having divine authority.  This would put him on a par with Mohammed or Buddha or other prominent religious figures in history.  Christianity accepts Jesus as God incarnate.  If we do not accept this, then his teachings carry no more authority than any other respected person and carry no guarantees of eternal life!  We live in a pluralistic world and the strong religious faith of non-Christian people must be respected and admired.  Religious persecution is a terrible scourge.   Faith in Jesus Christ carries certain implications about other religious faiths that can cause discomfort!  If we are asked about the authority of jesus Christ and where it comes from, we have to say;  "From God!"  AMEN