Authority!

A big theme that kept popping up for me during this chapter was Jesus' unapologetic authority.  Wow, I've got to hand it to him,  the man had confidence.  But what blows my mind, is what He did with that confidence and authority.....he suffered, served, and gave.

"Who is He who comes with Divine investiture?
 Who is He who comes before the Ancient of Days without bowing or confessing His sin?
 Who is He to whom is given an everlasting Kingdom?
 Who is He whom all nations will worship?"  (p.47)

Lord, help me to not make You so small.  I know You are friend and confidant, but sometimes I reduce You to being just that.  Forgive me. You are SO MUCH BIGGER.


"Jesus was claiming to be that towering figure of Daniels' vision!....He was on trial before the highest religious court.  But when He dared to call Himself the Son of Man the tables were turned."  (p. 48) 

Wow!  What confidence!  What authority Jesus had in who He was!  This makes me think of our "I Am" statements.  Can you imagine what we would be like, how we would act, and how we would speak, if we truly believed those statements?
I am a child of God!  I am forgiven and set free!  I am led by the Spirit of God!

"Jesus is the Son of Man, the judge of the world.  But He comes into the world first to suffer, and as He says, 'not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many." (p.48-49)

With all of that authority and confidence, what is His stance?  What does He choose to do? Ah yes, sacrificial, servant, life-giving love.  

At our Admin. Training weekend, we discussed that people who serve humbly, sacrifice for others, serve others, and meet the needs of others first, are great leaders.  Well folks, Jesus was the greatest.