We know by who’s authority we share the good news of Jesus Christ.
(Mark 11:27-33 NKJV)
Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Many years ago while preaching on the street in Virginia Beach I was ask the very same question by other Christians from a local church. My response was by the authority of Jesus Christ, let me ask you who’s authority are you under? They answered with their church and pastors name. Little did they know, I new their pastor, and apparently these young proclaimers did not seem to fathom that their pastors authority originates from the same as my—Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ case his authority with God the father, while the authority of the chief priests, scribes and elders were under their own authority.
Look how the conversation transpired: The chief priest, scribes and elders discussed among themselves trying logically to come up with an answer. [Logic may not have been in play here, I’m just using that illustration to show a particular mind set.] Anyway, their pondering was academic, philosophical, and not from above. They feared the people because of John’s popularity as a prophet, and they tried desperately to outwit Jesus. Their logic or intellect failed them and all they could come up with was “we don’t know.” Of course, Jesus gave they only answer appropriate because in my opinion, the questioners did not desired an answer that they could use to trap Jesus so they could charge him with blaspheme. Jesus knew what their game was, and we should also recognize the games people play when they believe they have the upper hand, or are superior because of their earthly backing.
For us on the streets there is cause to be representative of an assembly that has sent you out to preach because that assembly has been ordained and is accountable to God and local authorities. On the other hand, there are those of us who are stirred in the spirit to go and preach, to sand on a street corner and share Jesus’ testimony; or to simply go and help others in need. What ever the case, both are okay and I might add, it is a good practice to introduce yourself to pastors in the area so they are aware of your mission.
Our job is not to question the authority of those who are sent to proclaim the good news. Our job is to thank anyone who obeys the call of the Lord Jesus, to pray with them, and even encourage them to keep on fighting the good fight. Asking someone by who’s authority they are preaching the good news is almost like questioning Jesus’s authority to employ people not under the banner the authority of an assembly. It just does not work that way folks. If you are moved to go and tell others the good news, do so, and do so knowing that the Holy Spirit is right there with you.
(Matthew 29:18-20 NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
(Ephesians 1:18 NIV) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
Michael
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