What authority did Jesus claim in Luke 20:2, and how does it apply today? Setting the Scene Luke 20 opens with Jesus teaching in the temple just days before the cross. The chief priests, scribes, and elders—guardians of the religious establishment—challenge Him: Luke 20:2: “and they demanded, ‘Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?’” “These things” include cleansing the temple (Luke 19:45-46), receiving messianic praise (19:37-40), and teaching with unrivaled confidence (20:1). Their question strikes at the heart of His identity. The Authority Jesus Claimed • From Heaven, not men. Jesus answers their question with His own (20:3-8) about John’s baptism—“Was it from heaven or from men?” Linking His ministry to John’s, He signals the same source: divine authority. • Delegated by the Father. Earlier He said, “All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father” (Luke 10:22; cf. John 5:19-27). • Comprehensive. After His resurrection He declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). Facets of Christ’s Authority on Display in Luke • Authority over worship: driving out merchants from the temple (19:45-48). • Authority in teaching: “they were astonished at His doctrine” (Luke 4:32). • Authority to forgive sins: “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” (Luke 5:24). • Authority over sickness, demons, death: see Luke 4:36; 7:14-17; 8:24-25. • Authority to judge: “The Father has given Him authority to execute judgment” (John 5:27). Why His Authority Still Matters Today 1. Christ remains Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Our structures, traditions, and leaders answer to Him. 2. Scripture carries His voice. Because He affirmed the inspiration of the Old Testament and authorized the New, the Bible speaks with His authority (John 10:35; 14:26). 3. Salvation hinges on submitting to His lordship (Romans 10:9-10). 4. Mission flows from His commission. “Go therefore” rests on “All authority… has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18-20). 5. Everyday obedience—ethics, family life, finances—comes under His rule (Colossians 3:17). 6. Hope for the future is anchored in His right to return and reign (Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 19:11-16). Living Under His Authority • Receive His Word as final—no edits, no compromises. • Obey promptly; delayed obedience questions His right to rule. • Rely on His power in ministry—He delegates authority to serve, heal, and proclaim (Luke 10:19; Acts 1:8). • Pray confidently, knowing the King hears and acts (John 14:13-14). • Stand firm amid cultural pressure; His throne is above every earthly power (Psalm 2; Acts 4:19-20). Takeaway Jesus claimed and exercised absolute, divine authority. That claim confronts every generation with a choice: resist Him like the temple leaders or bow gladly as disciples. His authority is not a relic of the first century; it is the living reality that shapes worship, doctrine, mission, and daily life today. |
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