Where Does Authority Come From and How Should One Use It? Matthew 21:23-27

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

Authority is the "right to exercise power".  Jesus has already shown his authority over sickness, disease, spiritual forces, and even nature.   Despite all of this, the Jewish leaders question his authority to do these powerful acts, which was always for the betterment of humankind.  They are used to having all the authority, so they feel their sense of authority is being threatened.  They are given authority because of their position within the Jewish religous system, which came from God.  Jesus' authority cames straight from God the Father. 

24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 

"The religious leaders raised the question of Jesus’ authority, and He answered by raising the question of their competence to judge such an issue." (Guzik)

 “His question is far more profound. If the religious authorities rightly answer it, they will already have the correct answer to their own question.” (Carson)

Rather than getting defensive about the questioning from the leaders, Jesus refuses to them directly.  Instead he asks them a question.  This is good to remember in our own interactions with those who are looking to accuse us unjustly. 

25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 

Instead of being put in a bind, Jesus asks a question which puts them in a bond.  Since John the Baptist is a highly revered figure in the Jewish culture, Jesus asks about his baptism.  If they couldn't judge the authority of John the Baptist, how could they judge him?  The baptism of John refers not just to the single event of his baptism, but the whole of his ministry.  

26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

Note the Pharisees are more interested in appeasing the people than seeking the truth.  They realize if they lose the support of their fellow Jews, the authority that have had afforded to them could be taken away.  They are clearly trying to play it on both sides, and now they are at an impasse.

27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The answer was not that they didn't know, they knew the truth.  The answer really was, "WE WILL NOT TELL you."  (Barnes) 

How do leaders misuse the authority they have been given?  Where does all authority come from and how should that inform how those in authority use it?  Where do you have authority and how do you use it?  I.e. As a parent, boss, teacher, pastor, fireman, policeman etc...  Do you believe we will be accountable for how we use our authority here on earth in heaven?  How does the current political crisis we are in relate to Jesus' idea of authority?  How should those who govern in our country use their authority?  How might this change the current situation we are in our country if leaders led in a way that their ultimate authority and accountability comes from God?