PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 21:23-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Matthew 21:27)
Most of us have questions for God, but are we prepared to hear the truth?
The religious leaders wanted answers, but they did not want to be questioned.
Jesus exposes hypocrisy, their greater concern for their positions than the truth.
If God were to interrogate us, it would get very awkward… ask Job.
“Let him who accuses God answer Him!” (Job 40:2)
“I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” (Job 42:3)
Many people today challenge God and Jesus, as if they know better.
We set ourselves as judge in the courtroom and insist they answer our questions.
The Lord is not afraid of the truth, and one day the whole truth will be revealed.
But the truth will expose our hearts and minds, humbling our wisdom and logic.
The truth will reveal our selfish bias, our inconsistencies, our blind spots.
By all means, wrestle with Jesus and God, bring your questions, doubts and fears.
But do so with humility, and aware that truth is much bigger than we can handle.
And be prepared, because the Lord will have some questions for us as well.
PRAYER
Lord, who do I think I am, that I might challenge you? I bring my questions and doubts in humility, certain that your wisdom is greater than mine, your answers better than mine.
What’s needed is ‘eyes of faith’ – the Pharisees were not willing to step out in faith and believe – they wanted answers but their eyes were closed to the truth. So it is for anyone to receive the gospel – there has to be a kernel of faith – a willingness to trust and to explore. Consider that what Jesus says about himself and the testimony of scripture backing him up – and believe. Jesus is the way or he is not. Jesus is son of God and son of man or he is not. Having the faith to believe – answering in the affirmative opens the truth and I see. Jesus you have the authority! Help me overcome my own reservations and help me to be fully committed to you!
Those who questioned Jesus’s authority were only interested in their own power and prestige. They were protecting themselves.
All authority had been given to Jesus since forevermore. And He uses His power to redeem the hearts of men. To love and serve. And I need to follow Him where He leads serving people, serving Christ as one of His followers. Help me daily Lord to share Your love.
My Lord, He died for a Kingdom
To redeem the hearts of men.
Now my people don’t you weep,
He has risen from His sleep.
He lives again, alleluia.
Sing alleluia! The Lord is risen,
He is risen indeed, alleluia!
My Lord came forth like the morning
With the splendour of the sun,
Came triumphant from the womb,
From the darkness of the tomb,
The victory won, alleluia.
My Lord united our mountains
With the everlasting hills.
Now the seasons and the sea
Sing his song of victory,
The rocks and rills, alleluia.
My Lord renewed all creation
That had waited late and long.
Now we all with one accord,
Live and love the risen Lord.
This is our song, alleluia!