Compare Luke 20:2 with Matthew 28:18. How does Jesus' authority manifest differently? Opening Passages Luke 20:2 – “and they asked Him, ‘Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who gave You this authority?’ ” Matthew 28:18 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.’ ” Setting in Luke 20:2 • Final week before the cross, inside the temple courts (Luke 19:45–48). • Chief priests, scribes, and elders confront Jesus. • They see Him teaching, cleansing the temple, and receiving praise—acts that implicitly claim divine prerogatives (cf. Luke 19:38–40). • Their question exposes unbelief: they assume authority must be delegated by men. Manifestation of Authority in Luke 20:2 • Implied rather than declared—seen in His works but not verbally asserted here. • Challenged and resisted by religious leaders (John 1:11). • Demonstrated through: – Cleansing the temple (Luke 19:45–46). – Daily teaching with unmatched wisdom (Mark 1:22). – Miracles that validate His identity (Luke 4:36). • Jesus responds (Luke 20:3–8) by exposing their hypocrisy through a counter-question about John’s baptism, showing His authority to judge motives even while withholding a direct claim. Setting in Matthew 28:18 • Resurrection morning has passed; Jesus meets His disciples on a Galilean mountain (Matthew 28:16). • The cross is finished, the tomb is empty, and victory over death is public. Manifestation of Authority in Matthew 28:18 • Openly proclaimed—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Universal in scope: heavenly and earthly realms (cf. Daniel 7:13-14). • Bestowed by the Father after obedient suffering (Philippians 2:9-11). • Immediately operational: He commissions the church to disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). • Uncontested—no foes present to dispute; the disciples worship (Matthew 28:17). Key Contrasts • Questioned vs. Declared – In Luke, leaders demand proof; in Matthew, Jesus Himself issues the definitive statement. • Hidden vs. Revealed – Luke shows authority veiled within His earthly ministry; Matthew shows it unveiled after resurrection. • Local vs. Cosmic – Luke’s scene is confined to the temple courts; Matthew’s claim reaches heaven and earth. • Contested by Opponents vs. Commissioned to Followers – Luke features antagonists; Matthew features obedient disciples sent out. • Anticipation of Cross vs. Triumph over Cross – Luke occurs before atonement is accomplished; Matthew occurs after redemption is secured. Progression of Revelation • Throughout the Gospels Jesus’ authority grows clearer: – Authority to teach (Matthew 7:29). – Authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10). – Authority over nature (Mark 4:41). – Authority over death (John 11:43-44). • Resurrection climaxes that progression, validating every prior claim (Romans 1:4). Implications for Believers Today • Confidence – The same risen Lord still holds “all authority” (Ephesians 1:20-22). • Submission – Because His authority is absolute, obedience is not optional (John 14:15). • Mission – We evangelize under His commission and protection (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). • Hope – His exalted rule guarantees future victory and final judgment (Hebrews 1:3; 2:8; Revelation 19:11-16). |
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