He had created quite a stir. Just a day or so earlier, he had shown up on the scene like a boss and flipped over tables and drove out crooked merchants selling animals for sacrifice and skimming change off the top. Then he took a major pivot that had even children shouting praises to God. He started healing everyone who came to him. Miracle after miracle, he left everyone better for the encounter.
Afterwards, he left, rested, did a little gardening, came back to the temple, and ran into a group of guys who thought they were in charge. They asked Jesus one of the dumbest questions I have ever heard, but one we ask ourselves way too often.
"They demanded, 'By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?" (Matthew 21:23)
Since when do we need permission to help other people? To step up and lead? To take a stand for right over wrong? We don't. Period. Jesus basically tells us during this event that God has endowed you with the power to help others, lead people, and stand up for what you believe, and the only authority you need to do so is His.
It is tough to watch people who think they are in charge act when their control is compromised. Instead of seeing all the good things that are emerging with new ideas and new possibilities, they counter with doubt, self-preservation, and shade.
Even more difficult to watch are the people who have it within them to lead, to do good and make a difference, but don't because they are waiting for someone to give them permission, or are concerned about what others might say if they rock the boat a little.
Jesus wanted every player on the field, committed to serving one another no matter the cost, and constantly moving towards the best that can be done, not the best that they know how. He took every opportunity to help someone regardless of the written policy, public opinion, or whose job was whose. He shattered rigid procedures for one broad policy to love and serve one another.
He kept the end in mind. He knew the best that can be done..follow Him. And that meant getting people to a successful close, even if he had to sacrifice himself to do so.
As you go through the day today and every day, keep the end goal in mind.
If it is within your ability to step up and help someone...do it. You don't need permission or policy to leave people better than you found them, to serve beyond your job description, or to be legendary. It is okay to turn over a few tables now and then and create a few miracles. Love and serve, without exception.