Luke 20:1-8
1 On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him,
2 and they declared, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”
3 But He replied to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me:
4 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
5 They discussed among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, since they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
7 And so they answered that they did not know where it came from.
8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.”
Jesus’ Authority
Jesus remained silent
We have already learned that the Pharisees and the scribes were enemies of Jesus. In today’s passage, new opponents appear: “the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.” They asked, “By what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?” (v 2). Naturally, they had in mind Jesus’ cleansing of the temple. Instead of answering their question, Jesus asked them, “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” (v 4). At this point, the positions of Jesus and His opponents were completely reversed. This question put them in a dilemma. “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” That is what they thought. So, they answered that “they did not know where it came from.” Seeing the hardness of their hearts, Jesus said, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things” (v 8), and He remained silent. Can you hear the voice of Jesus speaking to you? Or do you feel as though Jesus has become silent toward you? If so, consider where the cause might lie.
Listening to Jesus’ voice
Let us learn from the mistakes of “the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.” (1) They questioned Jesus as if commanding Him from a higher position. As long as such an attitude remains, Jesus will remain silent. We should instead pray, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10). (2) They were unable to acknowledge even simple truths. Likewise, if we do not put into practice the small and obvious things, we will not be able to hear the voice of Jesus concerning greater and more complex matters. (3) They doubted the authority of Jesus. However, if we desire to hear the voice of Jesus, we must have trust in His authority. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Remember when Jesus was resurrected. He revealed Himself only to His disciples. Those without faith did not encounter the risen Jesus. The sovereignty belongs to God. Let us remember that our God is the Almighty One and let us now entrust all our burdens to Him.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, I have tried to hear Your voice concerning greater and more complex matters while failing to put into practice the small and obvious things. Please forgive my foolishness. Give me a tender heart. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.