Matthew 21:23-27 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 21:23-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" Verse 24Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Verse 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' Verse 26But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet." Verse 27So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Devotion
“In the name of Jesus …”
We pray in his name. We gather and worship in his name. We serve in his name.
When we claim/proclaim the name of Jesus, we claim/proclaim his authority.
The religious leaders questioned the authority of Jesus. He made no verbal argument to satisfy them. Either they would see the work of God being done, or they would be blind to the source of his authority.
Are our eyes open to the work of God being done in our world?
When we claim/proclaim the name of Jesus, can others see the work of God being done in their world?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, may our lives be lived in your name today. Amen.