The question of authority often surfaces in the context of faith. It is important to know what or who motivates action. This is true for the individual and it true within the Christian community.
In our text today, Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. He declares that he will voluntarily lay down his life and then take it up again, speaking of his death and resurrection. He closes this thought, however, by establishing the authority by which he acts..."I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." There is never a question in Jesus' mind about what motivates his action or what drives his purpose in ministry. As a twelve year-old we hear him tell his parents that he must be about his Father's business. When he struggles mightily in the the Garden just before he is arrested, he ultimately affirms that he will do his Father's will. As he addresses the Pharisees in today's text, he does so not in his own authority, but under orders from His heavenly Father.
What motivates your action as a person of faith? Do you speak and act in your own strength and in the power of your own perspective or that of the group you associate with? If so, you are not following the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep. Jesus said that his sheep knew his voice and he knew theirs. You see, relationship with the Creator God is born from recognition of authority and the willingness to engage, to follow, and to be obedient to God. That was the pattern of the Good Shepherd. It must also be the pattern of the sheep...that's you and me!
Jim Abernathy
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