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
I understand the Pharisees' anger. "Who gave you authority to speak?" Sometimes I feel the same way when politicians or preachers hijack Christ's name for personal gain or political agenda. Who authorized them to speak on my behalf?
Jesus had every right to turn the question back on the Pharisees: "Who gave you authority to speak on God's behalf?" The answer: God did. Which explains why Jesus was so angry when they distorted God's Word and abused their authority.
Words are powerful things. They can be weighty, inflammatory, even misleading. Actions speak louder and more clearly. Speaking the gospel on Christ's behalf is an awesome responsibility. But acting on his behalf, in service and love for others, speaks the real authentic word.
Prayer
Word of Life, you are the author of all life. Help me to speak an authentic word today about your love for all people. Guard my speech and guide my deeds so that there can be no mistaking the authority of love. Amen.