John 7:16

Jesus knows what the people are wondering, and answers their query.  “My teaching is not something I made up or concocted on my own,” he says. “It comes directly from the One who sent me.” John 7:16 EFP 

Can I say that?  I mean, most every religious teacher claims to get their spiritual understanding from God.  Only the deluded make claims to total originality or to being the source of all truth.  Jesus would have been the only one to honestly say he was his own authority—he is, after all, the Son of God.  He and the Father are one!

But he doesn’t make that claim!  He differs to the One who sent him—God, the Father.  Considering Jesus had no direct access to the original scrolls of the Scripture, he was dependent on someone to teach him.  His mother was no doubt his first spiritual teacher.  His earthly father provided him a solid example of living faith.  But ultimately, Jesus is claiming a direct line of communication between him and his father in heaven!  That is where he gets his insights.  That is where he receives the news he passes on to his listeners.  Can I say that?  What is my primary source?  The Bible? Of course! Christian authors?  Commentaries?  All these are important helps.  But how much comes directly from my time discussing His Word with the Author?  That is where the power is!  That’s where knowledge and wisdom reside.  I need to visit that place more often. If I were to memorize all of Scripture and was able to quote chapter and verse at will—and I do not have the love of the author of Scripture, it is pointless and hollow.