Matthew 21:23
Oddly enough, this was probably the best question that the Jewish leaders ever came up with. That is not to say that it was too tricky or hard for Christ. That’s not the case at all. It’s just that it was a much more honest question than they were usually wont to ask. It wasn’t directly based on some sort of trick to catch him. It wasn’t based on faulty logic, or a theological fallacy. It wasn’t a request for a sign. It was based on their recognition that he exercised authority. For, indeed, he did exercise his authority as he cleansed the temple of those who bought and sold, and undermined the profit of the priests and scribes.
So, why did Jesus avoid answering directly if it was a pretty good question? There were two reasons for this, I think. First, no matter how good of a question these men came up with, Jesus knew that their goal was not to determine the truth, but to destroy him any way they could. There were, however, those among them who did honestly wonder about Christ. Like his talk with Nicodemus in John 3, he answered good questions with teaching. And that leads me to the second point. Jesus responded with a question rather than an answer so as to teach those who might want the truth, and confound those who didn’t. The question he asked about John had an obvious answer, but so did their question about him. That John’s ministry was ‘of heaven’ was just as simple to grasp as the answer that Jesus’ authority was from heaven. Thus, Jesus was following his own advice of not casting pearls before swine. There was no reason to give an answer to a question that was so easily answered, especially when the answer would never be accepted by those who asked.
Bible Reading: Genesis 33:1-35:29
Scripture Memory: James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for Your leading. We do not know what will happen from one day to the next. But, we do know that we can trust You. We do know that You are on the throne, that You hold it all in Your hand. Truly, what may a day bring forth? We must be ready, but that is only possible through daily reliance upon You, dear Father. When we rely upon You, all impossibilities disappear. Without You everything is impossible anyway. You are the Holy and True God. None may stand before You. You have all power in heaven and in earth. May all glory and honor and riches and blessing be to You Father! May Christ be praised forever! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman who is close to death, and for her family. Pray for a woman having some tests done. Pray for a man recovering from extensive surgery. Pray for a family making a big decision.
Journal Entry #14109