An Answer Not Understood

Scripture: When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” Matthew 21:23-26

Observation: While Jesus is teaching in the temple, the leaders ask him this question about the source of his authority. Jesus turns it around, asking about the authority of John, and the priests won't answer. They understand there are two choices - either from Heaven (of God), or from people and their acceptance - but they fear giving either answer.

In this, Jesus has actually answered the priests' question! There are two sources of authority, and the Messiah actually teaches in the authority of BOTH sources. Jesus has come with the authority of the Lord, with heavenly knowledge, ability, blessing, and power. Jesus teaches because there are people willing to submit themselves as learners, disciples, followers, and believers, who have placed their lives into his hands. Jesus does "these things" by the authority of people submitting themselves to him in faith, and that authority to be Messiah on earth was given to him by Yahweh.

Application: This is the relationship we all get to have with Jesus ... that being our ability to grant to him authority in our lives. When I declare Jesus my Lord and savior, I am saying that he has control over me, and I should be allowing him to lead, teach, correct, reward, and guide me. This opportunity to submit myself to Jesus comes only because the Lord's wisdom granted a way for a sinful world to reconcile itself through this faith in Jesus, and thus the authority of Jesus' lordship and salvation comes out of God's love.

The priests didn't even understand the question they were asking, so they couldn't understand it when Jesus helped them actually reason out the answer for themselves.

Tonight, my friend's son will attend Alpha, and he is full of questions and doubts. I am confident he will receive answers, but I hope and pray he understands his questions. He doubts the existence of God, the goodness of life, the nature of creation, the truth about love and blessing and purpose, the value of faith in Jesus. Mostly, I think he is like I was: He almost hopes none of it is true, because if it is all true ... but clearly God has abandoned him ... then the conclusion is that he is not worthy of God's love.

I pray he asks his questions, and understands the amazing answers he will receive in the weeks to come.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for Eric today. Please reach his heart. He is a good boy, who is trying so hard to become a good man while navigating what is truly a terrible time in history. This has left him questioning all knowledge. There is nothing wrong with that. I ask for your personal arrival in his life tonight and in the weeks to come. Explicitly show him he is loved and cherished and valued, regardless of where he is and what he is doing and what he is struggling to become. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen and amen.