Authority

Mark 11:27-28

Jesus’ Authority Is Questioned

Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?”

We seize on authority

As though that lent authenticity

We give credence and power

to "officialdom"

Failing to notice

that innovation

seldom emanates

from the courts of establishment.

Spontaneity is denigrated

while adhering to the rules is elevated

Yet few who stuck to the rules

managed to change the world

Jesus, beloved child of God

knew a different authority

and moved to a different rhythm

than those around him.

And so he was silenced

for daring to sow seeds of corruption

in those who followed him.

Still, today, that kind of Maverick

is viewed with suspicion

treated with contempt

but may yet be

the one who reveals most clearly

the very nature of God.