“One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2 “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” 3 He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me:4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” 5 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.” 8 Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Luke 20.1-8
As I read this passage, I inadvertently overlooked what might just be the most important teaching. I began to focus on the argumentative question between Jesus and the religious leaders—“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things”—and I was immediately drawn to Jesus’ defense of his message.
But what I missed is found in the very first verse, and it is this in summary: Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and proclaiming the good news. He could have been anywhere in the world, yet he chose to be at the heart of change and influence. It is as if Jesus were preaching on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court, where the Constitution is upheld, or in Congress, where laws are made. Jesus was at the heart of Judaism, God’s selected people, helping shape and reshape a few thousand years of disobedience and sin.
Even though he knew opposition would come, Jesus was there offering God’s people a second chance—preaching the good news, calling for redemption, repentance, and reconciliation. This shows me just how much God loves his people. He sent his Son to his Temple and there proclaimed the goodness of his salvation.
Now many of the people reacted as he expected—some believed, certainly, but the “authorities” argued against his own authority. “Who gave you the right? By whose authority do you speak? Who gave you permission to be here!” (My interpretation!) But in reality, this is what was happening: God was reaching out, and on the whole the people were rejecting him.
How often does this happen in our own lives? God reaches out to us, and we find excuses to refuse his message rather than accept his rebuke. The Lord loves his people, which is why he sent his Son as a sacrifice to suffer, die, and rise again. Through him we have life; without him we are lost and alone.
Do you feel God close to you today? Do you have assurance of your salvation? Draw near to God—receive him as Lord and Savior. Recommit your life to him; find hope in his Word. You were made for more. Just as Jesus sacrificed all to return to Jerusalem, so we are called to give up our lives for God.
He is with us. He loves us. He will never leave nor forsake us.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving us. Thank you for your kindness and for your grace. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your power. Help us walk in obedience and to know your truth. I love you and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen