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QUESTION OF AUTHORITY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Mark 11:27-33

Matthew 21:23-27

 

“…who gave thee this authority

to do these things?”

 

QUESTION OF AUTHORITY
 
Jesus went into the temple to teach the people, and preach the gospel. The temple officials took this opportunity to question Him publicly over the source of His authority to preach and teach. This no doubt was an attempt to discredit Him. In those days, a licence had to be obtained from the Sanhedrin or some eminent rabbi before a person could preach or teach. The chief priests, scribes, and elders were clearly offended by His previous acts of cleansing the temple, and healing in it. Jesus evidently showed no regard whatsoever for these temple bigwigs. He did as He pleased. As the Lord of the temple, who was to say that He had no right to do what He wanted? They wanted to get even with Jesus.
 
Jesus in response countered their question with a question. Here we find one wiser than Solomon. He asked them concerning the source of John’s baptism: from heaven, or of men? John’s baptismal ministry was to prepare the nation of Israel for the coming of the Messiah (Matt 3:1- 3). When the Messiah eventually arrived, John duly identified Him and pointed his disciples to Him—the Lamb of God, and the Son of God who baptises with the Holy Spirit and with fire (John 1:29-34). The chief priests and scribes were stumped. They knew they had been cornered. If they had answered “from heaven,” Jesus would have replied, “that is my answer to your question.” They obviously did not want to give the correct answer, but if they should say “of men,” all the people would stone them, for everyone was convinced that John was God’s prophet indeed. So they decided to cop out with an evasive, “No comment!” “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Mark 11:33).
 
THOUGHT: Jesus is the Author of life, and has authority over all.

PRAYER: (Pray for submissiveness to the authority of Christ.)

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