Men’s and women’s authority tends to lie and subvert to keep it. We will do these and worse while opposing God’s authority. Jesus had overturned the money exchange tables and driven out those who were selling sacrificial animals in the temple area (19:45-48). This challenged the Jewish religious authority and subverted their money flow. Their addiction to authorities’ power sent them on a revenge binge. The chief priests, teachers of the law, together with the elders, had to reassert their power over Jesus (1).
They publicly confronted Jesus while he was teaching. They were direct: “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things. Who gave you this authority?” (2) If Jesus had given them a direct answer, they would have either asked him for proof, arrested him, or stoned him. Rather, he let them answer their own questions. John the Baptist had stated many times Jesus’ authority. The religious leaders rejected John because he was not one of them. The people knew John was a prophet. Jesus asked them where John’s baptism was from: heaven or man (4).
They feared the people’s opinion of them, John, and Jesus. So they did not answer Jesus. Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. (8)”
How do I respond to Jesus’ authority? Do I challenge it? What do I do to subvert Jesus’ authority over me? How do I justify to myself keeping control of my destiny? Do I call Jesus “Lord, Lord,” but do not do what he directs (6:46)? Do I live by faith in Jesus or in myself?
