He is not just Lord of our worship; He is Lord of creation, Lord of governments, Lord of every classroom, courtroom, and conversation.
We continue our study in The Gospel according to Matthew where we had left off, at chapter 21, verse 23. So far, we’ve read about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His cleansing of the temple, and His cursing of the fig tree—a prophetic act symbolizing Jerusalem’s spiritual barrenness and pending judgment. Jesus then taught that mountains—representing false religion like that centered on the Temple Mount—must be removed through faith. Vain religion can only be replaced by true, God-honoring worship.
Now, Jesus returns to the temple, where He’s confronted by the chief priests and elders. Verse 23 reads:
“And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’”
Let’s understand the moment: when Jesus entered Jerusalem, He was hailed by crowds going before and behind Him—pilgrims arriving for Passover who were familiar with His ministry. They laid palm branches and cloaks before Him, crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” recognizing Him—rightly—as the promised King from David’s line, though not all fully understood His mission.
But inside Jerusalem, a third group, unfamiliar or suspicious, asked, “Who is this?” Some said, “A prophet from Nazareth.” Among them were Pharisees and Sadducees—religious authorities threatened by Jesus. He hadn’t been trained in their rabbinical schools, upheld their traditions, or submitted to their teachings. His growing fame meant their shrinking influence.
What intensified their concern was Jesus’ judgment of the temple. He overturned tables, drove out merchants, and declared, “You’ve turned My Father’s house into a den of thieves!” The court of the Gentiles—intended as a place of prayer for the nations—had been converted into a marketplace. Jesus’ forceful action, likely spanning the space of three football fields, exposed deep corruption. This reached the ears of the Sanhedrin, Israel’s ruling religious body, comprised of both Pharisees (teachers of the law) and Sadducees (priestly elites). Their power, though subject to Roman oversight, still carried sway among the people.
So now, as Jesus returns, likely to a reset marketplace, He’s met by the very leaders He had publicly rebuked. Their question—“By what authority?”—was a public attempt to reassert control and humiliate Him. It’s akin to showing up at a major convention the day after you flipped tables—and having security waiting to confront you.
But Jesus doesn’t answer their question directly. Instead, He responds with His own question in verses 24–25:
“I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?”
Jesus knew they weren’t after truth, but power. So He counters with a question that pierces through their motivations. They deliberate:
“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they reply, “We do not know.” Jesus responds, “Then neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Jesus turns their trap into a mirror. Had they acknowledged John’s divine calling, they would have to accept Jesus as the One John pointed to. But fearing the people and unwilling to repent, they feign ignorance. In doing so, they discredit themselves.
There are two key things we need to see here. First, the authority of Jesus. He doesn’t appeal to men, institutions, or even provide a justification for His authority—just as Scripture begins with “In the beginning, God…” without defending God’s existence. When Moses asks God His name, He replies, “I AM that I AM.” God doesn’t argue for His authority—He declares it. Jesus, likewise, asserts divine authority simply by speaking and acting as God incarnate.
Second, we must note the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. They present themselves as God’s representatives, yet when challenged with truth, they cower. Jesus exposes their fear of man and refusal to acknowledge truth even when it’s plainly before them. In their attempt to put Jesus on trial, they themselves are judged.
This leads us to several important applications.
1. The Lordship of Christ Must Be Comprehensive
Many today still ask, “By what authority does Jesus speak to me?” And often, His authority is acknowledged only in “spiritual” things: prayer, church attendance, Bible reading. But outside those realms—in politics, economics, sexuality, education—He is dismissed or ignored. This reflects what some call the “sacred-secular divide.” But biblically, no such divide exists. Jesus is Lord over everything.
You may appear pious: you attend church, tithe, study Scripture. But if your worldview in other areas—ethics, justice, personal integrity—is shaped more by the world than Christ, then His authority is being rejected. He is not just Lord of our worship; He is Lord of creation, Lord of governments, Lord of every classroom, courtroom, and conversation.
2. We Are Not in a Position to Judge God
The religious leaders presumed they could interrogate Jesus. In doing so, they placed themselves above Him. We can do the same when we demand explanations from God for our suffering or confusion, as Job did. But God responds to Job not with answers, but questions: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4). We are reminded—we are not God’s judge.
Jesus’ silence in response to the leaders reflects this. If they will not acknowledge what is plain before them (John’s ministry), then no further answer will be given. Likewise, if we do not trust what God has already revealed, we should not expect answers to what has not been.
3. God Extends Mercy, Even in Judgment
Though this passage contains a sharp rebuke, it also presents a gracious opportunity. Had these leaders confessed, “John’s baptism was from God,” and admitted their unbelief, they could have cried, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” And Jesus, who never turns away the repentant, would have embraced them. But pride stood in the way. Public figures with public sin require public repentance. Their concern for status eclipsed their concern for truth.
We should take heed. No one is too religious or too entrenched to repent. And God never refuses the broken and contrite heart. If you have not yet bowed the knee to Christ, do so today. Turn from your sin. Repent and believe the Gospel. Jesus is not just a good teacher or a noble martyr—He is King of kings, the divine Son of God who calls all men everywhere to repent and believe.
Conclusion
In this confrontation, the religious leaders sought to trap Jesus—but it is they who were exposed. Their pride, fear, and unbelief made them blind to the truth. Jesus’ authority, however, shines clearly. He does not answer to man. Rather, He demands that all submit to Him in faith.
Let us not be like the Pharisees and Sadducees, holding fast to our own authority or fearing the opinions of others. Let us be like those who, recognizing our spiritual poverty, cry out for mercy. Jesus receives all who come to Him in humility. May we submit every area of life to His Lordship, for He is the only true King.
To Him be all the glory, now and forever. Amen.
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