40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

40 Days of Easter - March 18, 2011

Written by: Richard Deaver


Questioning Jesus' Authority

Matthew 21: 23-27
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 ar you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?" 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. John's baptism - where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven' - he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men' - we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

Why do we question Jesus? Why can't we give honest answers when Jesus turns the question on us? Are we afraid of the work he can do in our lives?

Just as Christ was cleaning up the temple, He wants to clean up our lives and use us for His glory. Say yes to the Lord and allow Him to be the Lord of your Life.