Jesus in this passage is being challenged because He has preached things that the Pharisees could not even dream of. Normally, Pharisees would cite multiple sources like a student would in an academic paper, and there were accepted lines of teaching. But Jesus, in His wisdom, was able to preach through the Scriptures to show that the Kingdom of God was at hand and show that all things are under His rule and authority. Let us listen in to this conversation and ask ourselves where we too are questioning Jesus’ authority in our lives.
Matthew 21.23-27
23 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?” 24 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. 25 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?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 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.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Why do the Pharisees ask about Jesus’ authority?
+ From what authority did the Pharisees who were leaders of the people teach?
+ Why does Jesus ask about John the Baptist’s authority?
+ Remember, what did John the Baptist preach?
+ Why would it be a problem for the Pharisees if John the Baptist’s preaching was from heaven?
+ Why did the Pharisees fear the crowds so much?
+ Why do the Pharisees decide to tell Jesus that they do not know what authority John the Baptist preaches on?
+ How does the reveal the problem with the Pharisees’ question?
+ Why does Jesus answer that he will not tell them where his authority comes from?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Are there ways in which you are questioning Jesus’ authority in your life?
+ How do you submit to Jesus’ authority?
+ Are you letting Jesus speak into your life?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Can you show others the kind authority of Jesus?
+ How can you show people Jesus’ power in your life?