Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 20:1-8.
TEXT: "Tell us, by what authority You do these
things, or who is it that gave You this
authority?" (see Luke 20:2).

The Jewish Sanhedrin or high court led by the
high priest is the recognized authority in
Jerusalem. They aren't crazy about Jesus
driving the animals and moneychangers out of
the temple and teaching huge crowds right under
their noses. So a group from the Sanhedrin
comes to ask who gave Him the authority to do
these things.

They expect Jesus to say His authority came
from God. Then they will demand proof, which
they will refuse to recognize, thus discrediting
Him in front of the crowds. Jesus recognizes their
intended trap. He politely answers, "I also will ask
you a question. Now tell Me, was the baptism of
John from heaven or from man?"

Suddenly, their trap is sprung, but they are the
ones caught in it! They could give an answer that
would please the crowds, saying John's authority
was from God, but they know Jesus will ask why
then did they not obey him and receive his baptism.
If they tell Him what they honestly think, saying
John's authority did not come from God, they fear
the crowd will rise up and stone them to death
because the people held John to be a prophet.

So the only answer they can give is no answer at
all: "We don't know where his authority came from."
This is hardly a suitable answer, since they are
considered the leaders who are responsible for
religious instruction in Israel. They are completely
humiliated by the answer they have to give.

Jesus turns it back against them. If you will not
answer Me, "Neither will I tell you by what authority
I do these things."

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, Your authority indeed came from
God Your Father, the same source of John's authority.
Help me accept Your authority and trust in You always.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)