What can we learn from Jesus' response to questions about His authority? The Setting in the Temple • Jesus has just cleansed the temple and healed the blind and lame there (Matthew 21:12-14). • Chief priests and elders confront Him: “By what authority are You doing these things?” (Matthew 21:23). • The question challenges His right to teach, heal, and overturn their traditions. Jesus’ Counter-Question • Matthew 21:24: “Jesus replied, ‘I will also ask you one question; and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’” • He asks about John’s baptism—“Was it from heaven or from men?” (v. 25). • The leaders refuse to answer, fearing the crowd and unwilling to admit John’s divine commission. • Because they will not face truth, Jesus withholds further explanation (v. 27). Lessons on Divine Authority • Authority is rooted in heaven, not human institutions. – John 3:27: “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” – John 5:19-23: Jesus acts only in perfect unity with the Father. • Jesus’ authority is self-authenticating. – Matthew 7:29: He taught “as one who had authority.” – John 10:18: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” • By exposing the leaders’ unbelief, He shows that acknowledgment of divine authority begins with a heart willing to submit to truth. Lessons on Spiritual Discernment • Right questions matter; honest hearts receive answers. – Jeremiah 29:13: Seek Him wholeheartedly and you will find Him. • Religious position does not guarantee spiritual insight. – 1 Corinthians 2:14: The natural man cannot accept the things of the Spirit. • Silence can be judgment. When leaders evade truth, revelation is withheld (cf. Luke 20:8). Personal Application Today • Approach Scripture with humility and willingness to obey. • Examine motives when questioning God—seek understanding, not ammunition. • Recognize Christ’s authority over every area of life: doctrine, morals, church practice, personal decisions. • Stand firm when culture questions biblical authority; follow Jesus’ example of confident, Scripture-rooted response. Related Passages Reinforcing the Point • Mark 11:29-33 and Luke 20:3-8—parallel accounts emphasize the same principle. • John 2:18-22—another challenge to Jesus’ authority met with a prophetic sign. • Acts 4:7-10—Peter and John, filled with the Spirit, answer a similar question by pointing to Jesus’ name and resurrection. |
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