Jesus Only: Part OneSample

Week 1, Day 3 - Tuesday

Jesus' Authority Is My Guide

Ray Bradbury is considered by many to be one of the great American authors of the 20th century. There’s a good possibility that, at some point in your high school or college years, you read his book Fahrenheit 451 about a “fireman” named Guy Montag whose job it is to burn books. 

Bradbury tells a story about speaking to a group of college students at UCLA, when the topic of his most famous book came up. Bradbury explained to the class that the main theme in Fahrenheit 451 is the danger of television to society. At this point, a hand shot up at the back of the class. 

“No, it’s not!” the confused student interrupted. “Fahrenheit 451’s main theme is about government censorship!” 

Bradbury was taken aback. He calmly explained that, even though the main character burns books, the message was not about censorship because no one cared about the books being burned. They were too busy watching television. The student was unmoved. 

“In all my class discussions about that book, we’ve always agreed that the main theme is censorship. You’re wrong.”

You may be shocked that anyone would argue with an author about their book’s message. But how many times do we refuse to do what Jesus says we should do, simply because the world around us says to do something different?

I am reminded of this scripture passage from Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB): 

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Jesus is the author, or in some translations, “founder” of our faith, and because of that, He is also the final authority on how we are to live out our faith. 

The Colossian believers had a problem. When choosing how to live out their faith, many of them wanted to place Jesus alongside the secular values they were comfortable with as another source of authority, instead of making Jesus the only source of authority in their lives. 

It is important to remember that Jesus is the author of our faith, and therefore, He is the final authority for how we can grow in our faith.

Reflection Questions:

What teaching of Jesus makes you uncomfortable?

In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on secular values instead of trusting Jesus’ authority?

Bring those things to him today, and ask for His guidance in trusting Him alone.