As written in Luke 20:1-18, there is a conflict of authority between the religious leaders and Jesus. Jesus came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and was angry when he saw people buying and selling within the Temple. The Pharisees reaction to Jesus’ reform was to question where His authority came from.

Jesus avoided the trap the Pharisees had set by putting them on the defensive when answering their question with another question about the baptism of John. He asked if the baptism was from heaven or from men (Luke 20:4). The Pharisees knew that no matter what answer they gave, they were in trouble. Jesus also uses the advantage of knowing that the people believed John the Baptist was a prophet who the Pharisees did not follow.

So if the Pharisees answered from heaven, Jesus will catch them because they did not follow him but if they responded with from men, then the people would stone them because they believed John was a prophet. The Pharisees were trapped and did not answer the question of Jesus at all.

Just like the Pharisees, the world rejects the authority of God; rejecting His Word, pays little attention to His impending punishment, and does not accept the gift of His Son. He owns everything; the place where we live, our car, our job, and even our own life but the world has little time for Him although He continues to show patience and tolerance to all.

This day with God, let us recognize the authority of Jesus and share with others this gift of God’s love. Let them know that God thinks they are AWESOME! Let them know of their value, how important they are, and the joy of knowing the bright future of freedom God offers for those who follow the authority of Jesus.

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