HybridTalk's Thought provoking Blog

By whose authority are you doing these things? 

In Matthew 21:23-27 we read about the religious leader’s response to Jesus Temple cleansing project. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?" Jesus asks them a question about John the Baptists authority and its origin. They are unwilling to answer. Then Jesus told them another parable. 

In the parable told by Jesus, there was a father with two sons. When the father asked for his one son’s help, the son said no, but then he changed his mind and came to work. The other son said he would help, but then ran out on his father. Then came the question, “"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"  "The first," they answered.” That is the right answer.

 Jesus states to the religious leaders, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” (Matt 21:31-32)

So what group do you connect with in the parable? Are you with the religious leaders or the tax collectors and prostitutes?

The problem is that rebellious sinners in this world choose not to recognize Jesus’ authority. Religious groups today, who don’t want to offend me, recognize Jesus as a good teacher, but not the Savior of the world. Seeking to show Christians tolerance, they give the Full Monty of insults. 

Likewise, the unsaved won’t see Jesus as the savior of the world, but they view him in safe terms, like a community organizer. In their sinful rebellion, they offer to Christ a title, “Community Organizer” with the expectation it will appease him. But they will not recognize his full authority and position. 

To be saved, we need to identify with the tax collectors and prostitutes in Jesus parable because they saw themselves unable to save themselves. If you are like the religious leaders who questioned Jesus authority and consider him just a community organizer, you need to open your eyes. Jesus described two groups and we are all a member of one of those groups. No exceptions will be applied. Decide now what group you are in.