THE TEMPLE LEADERS' QUESTION: DISHONESTY
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. The Temple Leaders' Question
a) Jesus drove the merchants out of the temple. The temple leaders questioned his authority. (Matthew 21:12-15, 23-27).
2. Dishonesty
a) Jesus saw through the hypocrisy of these dishonest men. He knew they were rejecting him in the same way they had rejected John the Baptizer. So he threw that at them. He would answer their question if they would first answer his.
b) Did John the Baptizer have authority from God to baptize for the forgiveness of sins? They could see the trap. By admitting John’s authority they'd condemn themselves. By speaking against John, they would anger the populace who believed in both John and Jesus.
c) So they said, lamely, “We don't know”. They could not be honest one way or the other and face the consequences. So Jesus rejected their right to question him.
d) After his death and resurrection (the sign), Jesus said to his disciples, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). That is the answer to the question.
e) "God has highly exalted him, and given him the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). In that name resides the authority of Christ over all.
The End ...
1. The Temple Leaders' Questiona) Jesus drove the merchants out of the temple. The temple leaders questioned his authority. (Matthew 21:12-15, 23-27).
2. Dishonesty
a) Jesus saw through the hypocrisy of these dishonest men. He knew they were rejecting him in the same way they had rejected John the Baptizer. So he threw that at them. He would answer their question if they would first answer his.
b) Did John the Baptizer have authority from God to baptize for the forgiveness of sins? They could see the trap. By admitting John’s authority they'd condemn themselves. By speaking against John, they would anger the populace who believed in both John and Jesus.
c) So they said, lamely, “We don't know”. They could not be honest one way or the other and face the consequences. So Jesus rejected their right to question him.
d) After his death and resurrection (the sign), Jesus said to his disciples, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). That is the answer to the question.
e) "God has highly exalted him, and given him the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). In that name resides the authority of Christ over all.
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