One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”
He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me, “John’s baptism – was it from heaven, or from men?” (verses 1-4)
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This is a confrontational moment. The chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders gang-up together and come to Jesus with a very in-your-face question. Jesus has just cleared the temple, an act of extreme condemnation of the current status quo. These religious leaders, anger seething, now ask their very pointed questions, fully barbed: “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things. Who gave you this authority?”
In the midst of his own anger (captured in his own very pointed question), Jesus’ brilliance shines forth. A direct truthful answer (“My authority comes from God, my Father”) would simply be denied and then used as further accusation against him. So, Jesus puts back in their face their own previous rejection of divine authority expressed in the ministry of John the Baptist. They have had eyes but failed to see, and ears but failed to hear. Indeed, the failure has been rebellion. Further truth from Jesus’ lips would only be met by further blindness and deafness and hard-heartedness.
Where do we locate ourselves in this story? I find myself cheering Jesus on, glad for his brilliant confrontational response to these unyielding opponents. I rejoice that these foes are themselves put on the spot and that Jesus so clearly sports the upper hand.
But do I fully embrace his authority in my own life? Do you? When he strides in and overturns the status quo of my own experience, do I submit to his authority, looking for his further direction. Or am I in danger of getting my back up, balking at redirection, kicking against his intervention, or simply ignoring the commanding presence of his voice? May it not be.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). That statement at the end of his earthly ministry sent his disciples into a lifetime of obedience. Gladly I, too, join them.
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Lord Jesus, I acknowledge your authority in all my life. I submit to your lordship. I bow my knee. Be honoured, O Lord. Be glorified.
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Reflect: What active step can you take today to acknowledge Jesus’ authority in your life?
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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/.../selective-focus-photo-of-man.../
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