Authority

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” They discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Luke 20:1-8 

In our home when the children were young, the cries of "you're not the boss of me!", were often heard. "you're not my mother!" was another shouted refrain. Anyone who has children know how they try to dominate one another, and some of us never grow out of that behavior. I have found that the best leaders are not those who are constantly wielding their power but instead are gently bringing people together.

The religious leadership in the Temple as threatened by the way Jesus was reaching the people. They were afraid of the authority he seemed to have, afraid that they would lose their control of the people. Jesus did not scream but rather answered a question with a question. He gently led them into their own discussions as he continued to care for the people. We are invited today to avoid power plays and fights for control. Instead we are called to serve and gently care for those round us.

Today, I ask God to help me be a gentle leader. May we put our need to boss aside and open our arms and hearts to the people around us.