Matthew 21: 23-32 v 24 “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?”
Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching. The leading priests and elders came to Him. They asked Him “By what authority are you doing this?” “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 among themselves. They finally replied, “We don’t know” And Jesus responded,” Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.” Jesus went on teaching. A father asks his son to go out and work in the vineyard. The son answered “no, I won’t go” but later changed his mind and went out. Then another son was asked, and he said Yes, I will but didn’t go. Who obeyed the father? They replied the first son. Tax collectors and prostitutes believed the teachings of John the Baptist, but the leaders of the Temple did not.
My mother often had wise words for me, like ‘you are making things a lot more complicated than they need to be”. And I think Jesus is saying the same thing to the leading priests and the elders. Seeing and hearing John the Baptist caused people to change their lives and to believe in God. Jesus even points out that you can change your mind, even if you say no. Following Him is something we were born to do . The Kingdom of God is there for you too.
Prayer: Heavenly Father as we see and enjoy the wonders of this world open our hearts to your love so that we may follow your Son in all He is doing here on earth, for the glory of the Kingdom to come. Amen.
CrossWalk 