With Authority!

7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Can you think of your favorite teacher that you had growing up or in college? I remember my American Philosophy professor at Texas A&M – John McDermott. Dr. McDermott was hardly a Christian. He would have called himself a “pragmatist.” Rather than being rooted in Hebrew and Christian scripture – he was rooted in the writings of Josiah Royce, William James, John Dewey, and Charles Peirce – all philosophers from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. And yet, I list him at the top of “My Favorite Teachers” list and after twenty years since I graduated from college, I can still remember his classroom presence.

You see, Dr. McDermott wasn’t just someone who conveyed information about what philosophers wrote – he was passionate about seeing the possibilities of taking those writings and thoughts and using them to reorient modern culture and political life. In other words, for him, his craft of philosophy wasn’t an ancient and arcane practice, but a living, breathing source of inspiration. And this passion came out vividly in the classroom as Dr. McDermott would pace in front of the chalkboard or sit on top of one of the front row desks – his tweed jacket with patches reeking of aromatic pipe smoke. When Dr. McDermott spoke, the class couldn’t help but listen.

I’ve chosen a different path than John McDermott. In fact, on my Senior Paper on Alfred North Whitehead’s Process Philosophy – he wrote at the top of the page – “Beware the snares of the ministry.” I didn’t take that advice and have since fallen deeply into ministry’s snares. But I can’t help but remember a teacher who spoke with authority because he passionately believed and lived the truth and life of his message. And so, thousands of students experienced his class and were transformed by his ideas. Who was your John McDermott?

Jesus’ message wasn’t a rehash of the Old Testament prophets and the Law – even though he liked to quote them and used them often to illustrate his understanding of the Kingdom of God. The point of Jesus’ teaching was to show how all the things that had been promised in the Hebrew scriptures were now coming to life in the presence of the people of Israel. The blind were receiving their sight. The deaf were able to hear. The lame could walk. Good news was being preached to the poor (Luke 7:21-22).

When we share our stories of faith in God, lives are transformed! The reason Jesus spoke with authority was because he lived what he taught and the Kingdom of God that he talked about always seemed to follow Him wherever he went.

I believe that this sort of faith “to move mountains” is attainable by us today. That when we speak of Jesus’ love and presence to our friends and loved ones, we do so knowing that a life is about to be changed forever! The same authority that John McDermott had in a classroom at Texas A&M is nothing compared to the authority that WE walk in when we passionately believe in and practice the living, breathing Kingdom of God! What the world needs today isn’t a new philosophy, but a way of life rooted in the deep things of God. A “way” of life, not a philosophy “about” life. There is incredible power in our practice of the way of Jesus that far exceeds our mere words! (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5!!!) -- Jay