Military officers have rank and soldiers know they must obey their orders on that basis. Corporate managers sign paychecks, and workers respect their authority if they want to get paid. Where is the authority of my church and in my church? Pastors have authority in churches but not outside, and churches operate by voluntary association. Spiritual authority doesn’t come by offices, titles, or credentials. I held no office and had no credentials. As far as titles I insisted on calling myself the ‘Son of Man’, which is not imposing by worldly standards. When challenged on my authority I sidestepped the question. Yet I have authorized you to exercise the same authority I did. For those who understand this it trumps all other power.

Have you ever gone on vacation and returned to tell your friends, ‘it was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there’? Perhaps you have heard this statement from others. Has it occurred to you that I could feel the same way? There are people who take confidence in the fact that I bless their efforts, and that I visit them, but I will bless and visit things I will not inhabit. I am not satisfied with occasional visits with you. Are you satisfied with just visits from me? There is a higher standard involved in structuring your life to provide an enduring habitation for me, but this is what I am looking for.

Have I ever asked anything of you that was impossible for you? You assume that this could never happen, but consider what the angel told Mary. You (a virgin) will conceive, and you know the rest of the story. Obviously this wasn’t something she could go out and do herself. So there is a precedent for me asking people to take part in tasks that they could not possibly do alone. Note how Mary responded. She didn’t sulk or pout, she didn’t complain or refuse. Considering the situation, ‘be it unto me according to thy word’ is a good reply. Wouldn’t you like to be a part of a story larger than yourself? You can start with gracious acceptance of what I ask of you

When I said that unless a grain of wheat dies it abides alone, but if it dies it brings forth much fruit, I was speaking of myself. But I expounded a general truth that applies universally, particularly to my followers. Seeds produce plants that bear fruit, and so the seed is multiplied, but the seed is consumed in the process. My own destiny was unique, and the process took my life. I told those who would follow me to lay down their life, and pick up their cross and follow me. Paul provides an example of this when describing his ministry and adding that he died daily. How eager are you to bear fruit that will remain? Are you willing to be consumed in the process?