A little while back, I got to thinking about how Jesus spoke with authority, and came across something interesting; it was in one of the many disputes Jesus had with the Pharisees.

‘The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”  Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going…”’ (Jn 8:13-14, NIV)

The principle of requiring two or three witnesses to establish any matter was set out in the Old Testament (Deut 17:6, 19:15).  And so the Pharisees alleged that Jesus’ testimony, by itself, was not sufficient.  But Jesus said his testimony was valid just on its own.  That, to me, spoke of authority – the fact that he didn’t need corroboration from other sources, that what he said was unilateral, like a king not needing votes to pass a decree.  And this authority is somehow linked to knowing where he came from and where he was going.

Note that Jesus often referred to being sent from his Father:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me… He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Lk 4:18-19, NIV)

“I have testimony weightier than that of John.  For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.” (Jn 5:36, NIV)

“…These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” (Jn 14:24, NIV)

Jesus’ authority was linked to knowing who had sent him, and the purpose – the work – for which he was sent.  That gave him a mandate for all he said and did.

In the same way, when Jesus gave the Great Commission and sent us out into all the world, he reminded us of who it was who was sending us:

‘“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore…”’ (Mt 28:18-19, NIV)

“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!  As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” (Jn 20:21, NIV)

– Joey