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.