The Authority of Jesus
Matthew 21:23-32
1. Setting
• preceded by Triumphal Entry, Cleansing of Temple, Cursing of Fig Tree (21:1-20)
2. Questions Posed about Authority 23-27
• deliberate confrontation by chief priests and elders
• credential check as Jesus is teaching in the temple
• the “what” and “who” behind “these things”
• Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist
• caught on the horns of a dilemma
• exposure of incompetence
• credential check as Jesus is teaching in the temple
• the “what” and “who” behind “these things”
• Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist
• caught on the horns of a dilemma
• exposure of incompetence
3. Consequences Pictured with a Parable 28-32
• castigation of those who’ve heard John the Baptist
• put on your “thinking caps” about two sons
• promise, performance and the will of the Father
• priority of tax collectors and prostitutes
• religious refusal to submit to ultimate authority
• put on your “thinking caps” about two sons
• promise, performance and the will of the Father
• priority of tax collectors and prostitutes
• religious refusal to submit to ultimate authority
4. So What?
• Because the question of authority is settled, submit to Jesus completely.
• “Our response to Jesus’ authority is a spiritual diagnostic.” (L. Duncan)
• “In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river.” (F. Crosby, “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”)
• “Our response to Jesus’ authority is a spiritual diagnostic.” (L. Duncan)
• “In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river.” (F. Crosby, “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”)