How should believers respond to challenges about their faith, as Jesus did in Luke 20:2? The Question Jesus Faced Luke 20:2: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who gave You this authority?” How Jesus Handled the Challenge (Luke 20:3-8) • He stayed calm and in control. • He answered with a question that exposed the questioners’ motives: “John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” (v. 4). • He kept the focus on authority from heaven, not on human approval. • When the leaders proved unwilling to be honest, He ended the exchange: “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things” (v. 8). Principles for Believers Today • Discern motives before answering (Proverbs 26:4-5). • Respond with questions that invite self-examination (Matthew 22:15-22). • Anchor every answer in God’s revealed truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Refuse fruitless debates once hearts are closed (Matthew 7:6). Practical Steps When Your Faith Is Challenged 1. Listen first; ask the Spirit for discernment (James 1:19). 2. Invite clarity: “What leads you to ask?” “What do you believe?” 3. Point to Scripture as the ultimate authority (Isaiah 8:20). 4. Share your personal testimony of Christ’s work (Acts 4:20). 5. Speak with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6). 6. If the challenger refuses honesty, graciously step away (2 Timothy 2:23-26). Scriptures to Keep Ready • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect”. • 2 Timothy 2:24-25 – “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…”. • Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”. • Jude 22-23 – Show mercy, but be cautious with those who reject truth. Key Takeaways • Seek to uncover the heart, not just win an argument. • Keep every answer rooted in God’s authority. • Engage when a genuine seeker is present; disengage when the heart is shut. • Let your words and demeanor consistently mirror the calm confidence of Jesus. |
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