The scripture passages today describe tensed situations resulting from two opposing parties, both claiming to speak on behalf of God. There are those who make this claim based on their official positions of religious authority, and there are those who may claim to do so because of a special calling from God.

Amos, who claims to have been sent by God to prophesy against the sins of Jeroboam, king of Israel, is opposed by Amaziah, the priest of the sanctuary at Bethel.

Bethel came into prominence when Jeroboam restored it as the central place of assembly and worship for the northern kingdom in opposition to Jerusalem, the sacred city in the southern kingdom. This is why Amaziah sarcastically tells Amos to "get back to the land of Judah" and "do your prophesying there."

In response, Amos proclaims that he has been chosen by God to prophesy to the people of Israel.

Jesus claims to have been sent by God as the Messiah. He experiences opposition from the scribes who are scandalised at Jesus' saying to the person with paralysis, "Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven".

The scribes, as men well-versed in the Jewish scriptures, are convinced that Jesus has blasphemed against God. In response, Jesus provides evidence that he is acting under God's authority to forgive sins by healing the person with paralysis.