In New Testament studies there often is a search for a non-messianic Jesus. This essay, however, suggests that the essential and distinctive characteristic of Jesus is to be found in his authority (Greek, exousia"). The author argues that "authority" as used by Mark derives from the authority of God that Jesus receives at his baptism. This authority is linked to Jesus' unique confidence to act on God's behalf.

The authority of God and submission to it is the path to true freedom. Why? This article answers this question by looking at the nature of biblical authority and how it differs from secular authority.