Day 7

In and around the Temple...

Luke 19:47-20:8 NIV84

Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. "Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?"

He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me, John's baptism --- was it from heaven, or from men?"

They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 

So they answered, "We don't know where it was from."

Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

Who wanted to kill Jesus?

Those in positions of authority wanted to know the source of Jesus's authority. Why do you think this was important to them?

Jesus responded to their question with a question. How did those in authority answer? What did they consider before they answered?

The chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders were not really interested in the truth or what they believed in their hearts. They were only concerned with their status. What about you, when it comes to Jesus's authority in your life? Do you walk a line that protects the status quo? Are you willing to search your heart and offer an honest answer?

Jesus, recognizing the true source of Your authority requires that I give up my authority. Help me to live a life that reveals my belief in You as the Son of God: Lord of lords and King of kings.