Matthew 21:23-27 Devotional

Matthew 21:23 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?" 24 Jesus answered them, "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. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?" And they discussed it among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'From man,' we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Two examples are given us in this passage of scripture.  One example we are to follow.  One example we are to guard against allowing into our life.  The example of the chief priests and elders of the people is to be avoided.  The elders and chief priests exercised authority to benefit themselves.  When asked a controversial question they declined to answer because if they answered as they believed, their power would be called into question.  The chief priests and elders lied rather than jeopardize their personal benefits.

Jesus' example is to be diligently followed in our lives.  When Jesus was confronted by the people holding the power in the culture that could affect His personal well-being physically, He stayed with His message and didn't back off for personal safety reasons.  Jesus knew He had authority from the Creator God, the most powerful Person in the world.  He did not fear what man could or would do to Him.  Jesus was sent on assignment to seek and save the lost.  He was willing and able to complete His mission by the power of the Holy Spirit, even if it cost Him His life.

Which example are you following while going about your daily life?  I encourage you to follow the example of Jesus.  As believers we are sent by God with a primary mission to make disciples.  We are given authority to do this by the Creator God, the most powerful Person in the universe.  We have been given the Holy Spirit to enable us to do the work God has given us to do in the manner He desires us to do it (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 1:3-4).  "Stand firm, let nothing move you.  Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord knowing your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58. Use the authority you have been given to please God and benefit people.