Matthew 21:18-46

“By what authority are you doing these things?”

What things was Jesus doing? Oh yes, He was driving out the money changers and those who sold animals. He was riding into town to shouts of “Hosanna!” He was teaching like one who had authority. Those things.

Jesus, as always, cuts to the real question. The real question isn’t why is God doing... The real question is “What do you believe?” “John’s baptism, where do you think that came from?” They were asking Him about where He got His authority but the real question was would they know God’s authority when they saw it?

They didn’t. In truth, their answer (or lack thereof) was totally politically motivated. They couldn’t say what they really thought for fear of the people. Truth be told, the real reason they didn’t think John was from God was because he was so popular with the people they felt threatened. It was all about politicks and nothing about God.

“Who does he think he is doing these things?” That’s not the real question. The real question is, “Who do you think He is?”