Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. I. LET US ASK HOW CHRIST'S AUTHORITY WAS ASSERTED AND CLAIMED. 1. By the tone of His teaching. 2. By His ministerial acts, e.g., the cleansing of the temple. This assumption of rightful power led to the inquiry of the chief priests and elders — "By what authority," etc. He was the Lord of the temple because He was Son of God. 3. By His miracles. "With authority and power commandeth He the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." 4. By the exercise of the Divine prerogative of pardoning sin, e.g., in the cure of the paralytic. II. CONSIDER UPON WHAT CHRIST'S AUTHORITY IS BASED. Christ's authority is not based upon force, or craft, or popular regard; but upon right and upon conscience. When questioned, He answered inquiry by inquiry, and boldly declared, "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." 1. His words are authoritative because they are true. 2. His commands, because they are righteous. 3. He wields the personal authority of peerless love. In all, His authority is Divine, as He is. III. INQUIRE OVER WHOM AND OVER WHAT CHRIST'S AUTHORITY EXTENDS. 1. Nature knew it. 2. Satan confessed it. 3. Angels recognized it, ministered to His wants, and stood ready to rescue and to honour Him. 4. Men felt it. IV. REMARK THE ADVANTAGES WHICH FOLLOW THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CHRIST'S AUTHORITY. 1. For the individual, the fulfilment of his true being, the harmony of obedience with liberty. 2. For the human race, its one only sure and Divine hope — "In the name of Jesus every knee shall bow." V. OBSERVE HOW CHRIST'S AUTHORITY AFFECTS ALL HEARERS OF THE GOSPEL. The message of heaven is, indeed, an invitation and a premise. But it is also a command. (J. R. Thompson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. |
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