What does Jesus' question in Matthew 21:24 teach about discerning truth and authority? Setting the Scene - Jesus has just cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) and astonished the crowds with His teaching. - The chief priests and elders confront Him: “By what authority are You doing these things?” (Matthew 21:23). - Instead of offering a direct reply, Jesus responds with a counter-question (Matthew 21:24). Jesus’ Strategic Question (Matthew 21:24) “ ‘I will also ask you one question,’ Jesus replied, ‘and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’ ” What We Learn About Discernment • Truth is not merely stated; it is tested. • A sincere heart openly engages with evidence; a dishonest heart evades it (John 3:19-21). • Jesus exposes the motives of His questioners, showing that discerning truth involves probing the heart behind the inquiry (Hebrews 4:12). • Sound discernment requires consistency: if the leaders acknowledged John’s baptism as “from heaven,” they would have to accept Jesus’ authority, for John testified of Him (John 1:29-34). What We Learn About Authority • Jesus possesses divine authority, yet He reveals it to those ready to receive it (Matthew 11:25-27). • Authority rests on heavenly commissioning, not human endorsement (John 5:30-36). • By linking His own authority to John’s, Jesus upholds the prophetic chain of revelation—God speaks, His messengers affirm, and Christ fulfills. • Legitimate spiritual authority invites accountability; false authority avoids it (Acts 4:18-20). Practical Takeaways for Today – Test every claim of truth against Scripture and the character of Christ (1 John 4:1). – Examine motives—our own and others’. A posture of humility unlocks understanding (James 1:21). – Recognize that refusing to answer clear evidence often signals a deeper unwillingness to submit to God’s authority. – Embrace consistent conviction: if a truth is “from heaven,” it governs every area of life. Supporting Scriptures Matthew 21:25-27; Luke 20:3-8 (parallel account) Matthew 7:28-29—Jesus taught “as one who had authority.” John 12:48—“The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” 2 Timothy 2:15—Rightly handling “the word of truth” keeps us grounded in genuine authority. |
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