Rumney Baptist Church            

Who is the Authority in Your Life?

Luke 20

After entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus cleansed the temple – referring to it as “My house.” He began preaching there to thousands. The religious leaders demanded to know who gave him authority to do this. Today the authority of Jesus as the only way to God and eternal life is being challenged even by professing Christians.

 Jesus was sent by the Father to bring salvation by his death

 When the religious leaders questioned his authority, Jesus challenged them with a question – was John’s baptism from heaven or from men? They were afraid to answer, so Jesus told a parable about them and confronted their plot to destroy him.

 Jesus revealed the truth about life after death

 The religious leaders sent spies to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. When this failed, the Sadducees tried to discredit Jesus’ teaching about resurrection from the dead. The Lord exposed their hypocrisy and their refusal to believe the word of God.

 Jesus’ authority is derived from his identity as the Son of God

 Finally, Jesus posed a question to the religious leaders – whose son is the Christ? Jews believed he would be a human savior – the son of David. Jesus pointed to Psalm 110 where David spoke of Christ as his Lord. Christ was more than a descendant of David – he is the divine Son of God.

 Have you submitted to the authority of Christ over your life?

 Do you believe Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God?

• Will you affirm his authority to save and be the leader of your life?
• In the Lord’s Supper we demonstrate our submission to Christ as King

 Come just as you are; Hear the Spirit call.

Come just as you are; Come receive Christ, the King;

Come and live forever more.