Listen to the One in Authority

23Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

24Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

27So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. (Matthew 21:23-27) 

Thoughts: Jesus knew they didn't want to hear Him say, "By God's authority."  They did not have ears to hear His answer.  Yet, Jesus was shaking things up- driving out the money-changers, and teaching the destruction of the Temple in the Temple (which happened in 70 AD).  So Jesus answered their pretend question with a question about John.  They could not answer.  The real reason they could not answer is that they could not listen to God through John or Jesus. 
        Of course, Jesus' authority was as the Son of God.  The owner of the Temple has the right to have the Temple cleansed and shaken up a bit. 
     Sometimes people cannot listen, and we can learn from Jesus not to try to give an answer that they will not hear.  But our task is to always be listening to the Spirit.  The Spirit does not contradict Himself-- so the Spirit doesn't go against scripture- what the Spirit has said before.  A false prophet (Dt. 8) would speak what is contrary to scripture.  So let us listen, and listen carefully.   

Prayer: Help me to have ears to hear your voice, O Spirit. 

Jesus' Authority

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

Thoughts:  Thomas doubted until he saw Jesus, then he fell and worshiped at his feet.  Here we see that some saw him but some doubted.  Some worshiped, and some remained in their skepticism.  Jesus then said, He has all authority- meaning He is worthy of respect and belief (not doubt and skepticism).  Would you doubt someone who had all authority in heaven and earth?   Would you be skeptical in the presence of an admiral in the midst of his fleet?  If we understand Jesus' power, we would not doubt Him but would trust Him.  It is because of this power that we do not need to be ashamed of Him or afraid to spread the good news about Him.  His power also confirms His teaching.  Therefore we are to spread around the world the teaching of the One whose power goes around the world (heaven and earth).  We are to be taught to obey the One who has all the authority too  Jesus authority is over all, His teaching is to be spread over all, His obedience is to be called out to all, and then we are reminded He is with us all over the world to the end of the world.  The power of the resurrected Jesus inspires us to be bold.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand your power, and to trust in your power.