By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
AUTHORITY
Matthew 21:23–32
In the depiction of the epic Battle of Bannockburn in “Braveheart,” Mel Gibson’s William Wallace went out with the Scottish nobles prior to the engagement with the armies of England that were assembled against them. When asked where he was going, Wallace answered, “I’m going to pick a fight.”
One can imagine that Jesus intended to “pick a fight” when He released the animals from their pens in the Court of the Gentiles on the temple grounds and when He dumped over the tables, sending coins flying through the air and rolling on the ground. Jesus declared war on the practices of the authorities who held sway in the temple area. It did not take long for them to respond.
Authority Challenged (23–27)
Chief priests and elders of Jerusalem issued credentials to those who would be rabbis and teachers. Jesus had never enrolled in Temple Baptist Theological Seminary, so the senior faculty and administration asked Him for His transcripts, so to speak. Accreditation was a thing back then as well — just to remind my university colleagues.
Jesus answered their request with a question of His own. In fact, He agreed to answer their inquiry if they would answer His.
Was John’s baptism from God, or was it a man-made thing? Jesus had them backed into a corner. No matter how they responded, Jesus had an answer for them. This was His intent. He turned the tables on them.
Instead of facing prosecutors who were questioning Jesus’ right to teach, it was now Jesus who cross-examined their ability to affirm God’s calling on John’s ministry.
They were unable to answer, knowing that either possible response could be met with potentially negative answers. As a result, Jesus excused Himself from testifying.
Authority Recognized (28–32)
Jesus told about two types of sons. He described a dad who asked his two sons to work in the vineyard. One said no but later got up and did what he was asked. The second son said that he would obey his father’s wishes, but he didn’t do it. The religious leaders confirmed that only one did his father’s will.
Jesus then described two measures of righteousness. One is the righteousness of faith, in which prostitutes and tax collectors are declared righteous because of their faith. They trusted John and his message to repent and believe.
The other measure is self-righteousness, in which people rely upon themselves to measure up to the Father’s will. They don’t, any more than the second son did what his father asked.
In the early days of Passion Week, Jesus faced a series of questions from a variety of religious groups, each intending to find fault with Jesus.
The elders asked Jesus about His credentials. Legalistic Pharisees conspired with the Roman-leaning Herodians to trap Jesus between them regarding paying taxes.
Sadducees proposed a levirate marriage scenario to make a farce of the teaching on resurrection. Then the Pharisees came back for Round 2, asking for Jesus to prioritize the Commandments. Jesus finally silenced them all with a question of His own.
When Jesus first began His ministry with the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds recognized that Jesus spoke with a spiritual authority far beyond that of the scribes and elders. As He walked through the final days of His incarnate ministry, His authority was recognized by those who received Him.
Share with others: