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Jesus does not claim authority for the sake of being a righteous, religious leader. He claims
authority to help the people enjoy the benefits of God’s law.
There is a distinction between being an enforcer and being an interpreter.
I was amused by my colleague at the Union Congregational Church when she wrote a pastoral
note in their June newsletter. We may imagine her words were prompted by a whirl of activity by the
children. Stephanie Weiner said:
Please explain to our children our codes of behavior
rather than ascribing too much authority to me. Examples:
We use our walking feet and inside voices in the church;
NOT Stephanie doesn’t want you running. We don’t climb
trees or run around the balcony because it is dangerous
for little ones; NOT Stephanie will get mad. The playground
and toys in Fellowship Hall are for pre-schoolers; NOT
Stephanie doesn’t want you too.
Stephanie asserts her pastoral authority without being punitive.
Jesus is bold to claim his authority and his followers recognize his fearlessness. The crowds
were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their
scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29)
Jesus knows that the law before us is not something to be forced upon us, as if God wishes to
limit who we are and how we may be. The law is a gift from God, a gift that is fulfilled when
implemented with love. The law is not intended to be punitive; it is meant to be liberating.
Jesus does not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Our understanding of that fulfillment may
vary from Christian to Christian, but Jesus’ authority is absolute.
Amen.
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