'Authority!' - Matthew 21:23-27

When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?"
"I'll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?"

They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn't believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we'll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet." So they finally replied, "We don't know."

And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things.


—Matthew 21:23-27 NLT

Key Thought​

"By what authority?"

Mmmm ... interesting question, isn't it? By what authority did Jesus do all that he did in his ministry? This is the quintessential question of the Gospel. This is the ultimate question each of us must ask ourself. Did Jesus do what he did based on the authority of God, as God's Son? Or was Jesus just another crackpot, pretend messiah? The way we answer those questions must not leave us in a lukewarm and indecisive place. Either we recognize Jesus as Lord with all authority, or we do not.

Incredibly, the religious and political elite expected the journey through Jesus' crucifixion to be the asserting of their authority over a rebellious peasant. In fact, even the trial scenes reveal that Jesus is the only one through all of it who has true authority. The real question for us is whether we are ready to submit to that authority!

Today's Prayer​

Almighty God, I believe Jesus has all authority. I want to live more and more each day under that authority, yielding to your will and doing your work in the world. In Jesus' precious and powerful name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Matthew 28:18-20
• Matthew 11:7-11
• John 19:8-11

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Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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[Brostek]

Gods word has all the authority to change our hearts, our situation and even our own existence. We were taken from dust and to dust we shall return. But our spirits will return to God who has given to all of us. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive will be caught up in the clouds and be with the Lord forever. Amen

 

[The Encourager]

Prayer Focus: God I ask in Jesus’ name to bless each and every faithful participating member of this prayer ministry (including myself and the writer of this prayer ) with the gift of salvation, deliverance, and total healing. Step in each of our lives and perfect all things that concern You Lord Jesus and us. Bless each of us to come to know You in truth and love You with all our heart, mind, and strength. Bless us with the desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to obey Your Word and Will for our lives. Bless each of us to have an ever- growing- stronger- intimate- relationship with YOU. May the life that we each live consistently perpetually glorify You Lord Jesus. God please forever honor this prayer over all our lives. Amen, so be it.

 

[Rizakar]

Almighty God, I believe Jesus has all authority. I want to live more and more each day under that authority, yielding to your will and doing your work in the world. In Jesus' precious and powerful name, I pray. Amen. This is such an excellent devotional and prayer. Thank you for it in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.