The Authority of Jesus

 

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27 ESV).

 

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem stirred the whole city and roused the people to parade and celebrate, even if they didn’t understand the full purpose of his mission. Then he surprised more than a few when he overturned tables and drove traders and money changers out of the temple for setting up shop where people were supposed to have a place for prayer. With the chief priests and the elders, we might also have asked by what authority Jesus was doing these things.

 

Realizing they were not dealing with just another radical rabbi, Jesus’ questioners sensed something bigger happening. They had done the same when John the Baptist gained a following (cf. John 1:19-27). Responding with a question, Jesus forced them to acknowledge the authority of John’s baptism. After a telling discussion, the leaders showed their own fear of the people and answered, “We don’t know.” What an admission! Who had the upper hand now? Then Jesus showed his authority by simply stating, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” And yet it was clear the authority was from God.

 

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter in the weeks ahead, it’s vital to remember that Jesus proved his authority as the Son of God, sent from heaven. He’s the one we need to believe and follow!