Authority

Luke 20:2 KJV

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

The issue of authority was big then as it is now. In our day people are taught to question authority. I suppose it has never been that much different. But that authority is a necessary element of civilized people is obvious to all but the basest of anarchists. The origin of authority is varied:

There is enforced authority

Such as that of the police; the authority is demanded because of a badge. Sometimes the man with this authority is as guilty as those he may be policing. His own integrity has little to do with his authority. In some instances to challenge his authority is in itself a crime.

There is inherited authority

Such as belongs to a military officer whose authority is the result of an education and commission.

There is earned authority

When a man has proven himself a leader and those who may have at first followed out of duty begin to follow out of devotion.

There is voluntary authority

When people follow a man because they believe in his cause or His message.

The highest of all authority is that which is given by God

It is seldom (except in the case of government which is ordained of God) forced upon its subjects.

Jesus was not compelled to tell them who gave His authority. They would not have believed Him and He would not have forced them to. The authority which is of God seeks to lead people through conviction rather than compulsion. Those who possess this authority use only the Word of God. They depend upon the embracing of the Word by their listeners.