When Authority is Tested: Finding Our True King in the Field

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of expectation—the kind that comes when the stakes feel incredibly high? When you’re out in the field, or even just having a quiet missionary discussion with a sincere investigator, those moments can feel like they are testing the very foundation of your testimony. It’s a pressure cooker, isn't it?

I was thinking this week about a passage that always strikes me deep in my bones, a moment where the sheer weight of political and religious authority was laid bare. It reminds me so much of the delicate balance we have to maintain as we share the gospel today—knowing where our power comes from, and who we ultimately serve.

If you watch this account of Jesus before Pilate, you see it play out in stark detail. The accusations, the mockery, the shifting alliances. Pilate, caught in the middle, trying to play the political game, eventually hands Jesus over. It’s a masterclass in how external pressures can force people to make devastating choices, often sacrificing truth for perceived safety or power.

What really resonated with me, as I was studying this, was Jesus' calm assertion: “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God.”

Authority and the Spirit: Where Does Our Power Come From?

It’s easy, when we are deep in the work, to get so focused on the *methods*—the perfect talk, the flawless lesson plan, the perfect timing for a transfer—that we forget the *source* of our power. We can become so invested in the 'how' that we risk forgetting the 'who.' We are not powered by our eloquence, our organizational skills, or even our dedication to the curriculum, though all of those things are gifts we must steward faithfully.

Our authority, as disciples of Jesus Christ, flows from the Spirit, and ultimately, from the covenants we have made. When we feel that pressure—whether it's a challenging question in a Bible Study Group, or the discouragement after a tough week of teaching—we have to remember that our true King, our true source of authority, is not the political climate, nor the immediate opinion of the crowd. It is the Savior.

A Skill for the Disciple: Identifying the Source

I wanted to share a quick skill for our missionary preparation, one I’ve picked up from reviewing some of the Iron Rod materials. When you feel overwhelmed or questioned, pause. Instead of reacting with your own knowledge, pause and ask yourself: “Is this conviction, this answer, coming from my own effort, or is it the Spirit guiding me?”

This practice helps us discern between worldly confidence and divine prompting. It keeps us humble, which is vital for any returned missionary or lifelong disciple.

Join the Conversation: Strengthening Our Foundations

The best way to strengthen our discernment is by talking about it! If you’ve been wrestling with concepts of authority, covenants, or the nature of Christ, I highly recommend checking out the Book Club discussions happening in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to engage in deep scripture-discipleship with fellow disciples.

If you aren't ready for a formal Book Club, no worries! We’re hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week. It’s designed to give you a bite-sized spiritual workout that feeds right into the core principles we learn in our studies. Come ready to be encouraged!

Keep studying, keep testifying, and never forget that no matter where you are—at home, at work, or miles away—you can be an Internet missionary. We are all disciples anywhere, all the time.