Authority in All Its Forms

AM Psalm 119:145-176 • PM Psalm 128, 129, 130
1 Samuel 12:1-6,16-25 • Acts 8:14-25 • Luke 23:1-12

Across our three scripture readings today, there is a repeating presence of authority figures. The three types of authority* as laid out by the 19th century sociologist and philosopher, Max Weber, map well onto some of our characters today.

In the Old Testament, we have the king Samuel who exemplifies “traditional authority” or, “power legitimized by long established cultural patterns.” He is a benevolent Jewish king: praying on behalf of his people and offering his sons as heirs to his legacy who will help guide and protect the people. In the book of Acts, we see “charismatic authority” or, “power legitimized by extraordinary personal abilities” in both the apostles Peter and John. As they lay hands on the newly baptized to bring them into the body of Christ, we witness Simon drawn in by this type of power. He even attempts to harness it by paying for it. And in the Gospel of Luke, we see Pilate and Herod, clear examples of “legal-rational authority” or, “bureaucratic authority whose power is legitimized by legally enacted rules.” They are in power because they maintain the status quo.

Yet Jesus, when asked about what gives him the authority, who he answers to, and who he claims to lead, is silent.

“[Herod] questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer.”

What does this silence tell us about the kind of authority Jesus brings into the world? What does it say about God’s authority? What power may lie in filling that silence with a reimagining of authority, who we give it to, and who we accept it from?

*A simplified overview of Max Weber’s three types of authority can be found here.

Written by Emma Mitchell

When not serving the youth and families of St. Paul’s, I can be found doing various craft projects, hanging out with my husband Dave, or entertaining our small menagerie of animals.