Today we go back to the story of the healing of the paralytic and what Jesus does during that act and the conversation with the religious leaders. Again from "the Human Being" by Walter Wink.
The story of the paralytic furthers the sense of sovereign authority that we found in the account of plucking the grain on the sabbath. Surprisingly, in contrast to Ezekiel, Jesus never appeals to God's authority to authenticate his mission. He never says, "Thus says the Lord." In Mark 11:27-33, a conflict narrative of highest authenticity, Jesus is depicted as refusing to claim divine authority for his mission. This attitude is counter to the trend of the developing church. He clearly implies that his authority is "from heaven," but will not say so, indicating only that it has the same source as John's.... There was no reason for such reticence by Jesus; the long history of prophets in Israel had more than adequately prepared Jews to take seriously a person who claimed to speak on behalf of God, saying "thus says the Lord." That Jesus never appealed to God's authority for anything he said or did is as remarkable as the divine authority that clearly shines through his words and deeds... He refused to stake the truth of his ministry on external authority, even God's. He spoke, as Mark reports people saying, with authority, and not as the scribes (1:22). The scribes worked from texts, exegetically - like Christians! They appealed to Scripture to buttress their arguments - like Christians!... But Jesus simply spoke with authority. And he taught his disciples to do the same.
I know it was a long excerpt. I wanted to simply tumble down to the last sentence, "he taught his disciples to do the same" but felt we needed the whole context. The "same" is to be authentic and act with the authority that comes from being the followers of Jesus - the Human Being. In many ways, this emphasizes our place in the midst of God's Reign with Jesus as Lord. This is a living and vital Reign that brings us into its power for life that is a power to heal and forgive and suffer for the welfare of others. Our living is not done by fighting over words and what they mean. It is about coming alive as the ones we have been called to be and with the power of the Spirit that makes us what we noted a few days ago "saints of the Most High." How many times today do hear people back up and support and legitimate what they do by "calling up" the name of God or a particular piece of scripture in order to authenticate our actions. Are we too anxious about simply making available the rich life of the Reign of God....therefore, we do nothing or fall for less of a life?
Connection: When we go through the day unafraid to live as though we really are empowered to be the body of the Christ...to be the Human Being, and all that life means for all people, this could really be the beginning of a transforming life...and yes, that can be frightening.
Lord God, remain with us in and through this day. As we walk forward within your Reign, continue to inspire our hearts so we will begin to see how your grace becomes the source of the authority out of which we act with and on behalf of others. Amen.
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