Matthew 21:23 English Standard Version

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

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?”

This event is consistently repeated in the gospels of Mark and Luke. It is an important issue with our life with Christ because we as servants of Christ, as ministers of the gospel, as shepherds over His sheep, and teachers and elders, His authority has been passed down to us in service in the will of God. He commands us to speak on His behalf.

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 English Standard Version

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

Before we run afoul of truth in scriptures by assuming that we may go about judging everything, let us look to the one important matter hidden within these verses. That is the matter of competency. 

Having authority does not guarantee that we are competent. Maturity and wisdom are key factors in rendering just judgments. Total submission to the One who has granted us authority to judge the world will keep our judgments just. Obedience of faith has to hold sway over our emotional attachments.

Matthew 7:1-2 English Standard Version

Judging Others

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

There is more advice to take to heart in Matthew 7 and it should be no surprise that verse 12 is the Golden Rule. I dare say I need not quote it because it has been repeated many times by many people, even the unbelieving.

One of the sayings in chapter seven indicates to be careful with what you say because unbelievers will throw it back in your face. (My paraphrase.)

John 7:23-24 English Standard Version

23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Analysis of scriptures should begin with three simple principles, 1 who is speaking, 2 who is listening and 3 what are the circumstances.

1 Jesus is speaking, 2 the crowd in the temple listened, 3 Jesus had just taught in the temple V 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”

Jesus speaks to the issue of the law and the Sabbath but Jesus had not healed anyone on the Sabbath this day. The question of right judgment refers back to His proclaiming He is the One sent by God the Father into the world. Jesus is not asking them to judge His healing practices but rather to rightly judge if He is the Messiah.

John 7:25-26 English Standard Version

Can This Be the Christ?

25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?

Right judgment brings into question the validity of those things we believe because of what we have been taught and hold to be true.

Right judgment is our only defense in true faith, sound doctrine and false teachings.

They had Jesus to hear in real time. We have the Holy Spirit to render the truth in all that Jesus has to say. They have the authority to speak for God the Father and that is what was in question, “by what authority?”