Over the last four weeks, we've looked at different aspects of Jesus' identity. Everybody who encountered Jesus recognized that he was a wise teacher. Many recognized him as a prophet. When he calls himself the "bread of life," he makes a claim that many people can't accept. And when he claims the authority to forgive sin along with his healing, the religious establishment labels it blasphemy.

 

Jesus can make the claims that he does because he has authority. The people recognize it when they hear his teaching. He demonstrates it when paralyzed people get up and walk, lepers are healed and demons are cast out. Jesus has authority unlike anyone else who has ever lived. We will wrap up the series on Jesus' identity this week by looking at where he gets that authority. And we'll read one of the boldest passages in scripture concerning who Jesus is; for the early church and for us.