54 — Authority

AUTHORITY (LUKE 19:45 - 20:1-8)

Jesus possesses absolute authority and requires absolute loyalty.

• WHOSE AUTHORITY? (19:45 - 20:2)

• WHAT ABOUT JOHN? (20:3-4)

• WHAT WILL THE PEOPLE SAY? (20:5-7)

• WHO’S IN CHARGE? (20:8)

Discussion Starters

Monday—What do you typically think of when you think of authority? Why do you think people struggle with authority? What do we fear?

Tuesday—Is it wrong for leaders in the church to check people out before they’re allowed to teach or have authority? Where the leaders in the temple genuinely trying to figure out if Jesus had authority? What were they trying to do?

Wednesday—Why did Jesus ask them about John the Baptist? Why did Jesus appeal to heaven? How might we appeal to heaven in our conversations today?

Thursday—Have you ever said “I don’t know” to a question you knew the answer to? Why? What are somethings God is calling you to admit you know the answer to?

Friday—Is surrendering to Jesus scary? Should it be? What are some ways we make it scary? How does God’s word answer these fears?