April 15 | Luke 20:1-26

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DAILY READING

Luke 20:1-26

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REFLECTION

Jesus' Authority

By Kim Starr

These three encounters demonstrate the religious leaders’ questioning Jesus over his authority. The religious leaders included elders, priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Jesus was a problem to the Jewish religious system primarily because the religious leaders believed that they were the authorities and the ones in charge. Jesus ignored their very highly developed and sophisticated system because he had God given authority. The religious leaders’ anxiety over Jesus was escalating because of Palm Sunday and Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple. Their fear was that Jesus was going to start a religious revolution.

Regardless, Jesus continued to do the work that he was sent to earth to do. While at the temple, the religious leaders come right out and ask Jesus by what authority he’s doing what he’s doing. Instead of answering, Jesus asks them a question about the baptism of John, to which they do not give an answer. Why? Because if they say they believe John, who said Jesus was the Messiah, they validate Jesus. If they say they don’t, they will lose their credibility with the people because the people believed John was a prophet of God.

Jesus then tells the story about the wicked tenants. The religious leaders knew right away that Jesus was talking about them. God had given the religious leaders the authority to lead the people in worship to him, but when they failed, he sent prophets to get them back on track and they beat and harmed them. Now God has sent his only son and they will kill him as well. Meanwhile, the people knew that Jesus was claiming to be the Son of God.

Next, the religious leaders send spies to try to force Jesus into a difficult choice. If Jesus answers that taxes should be paid, he could be accused of denying the sovereignty of God making him unpopular with the people. If Jesus says that taxes should not be paid, he could be arrested by the Romans. Instead, Jesus’ affirms that the government makes legitimate requests of us to which we are to be obedient. However, we ultimately belong to God and are responsible to him in all things. In fact, had the people been obedient to their covenant with God, they would never have had to endure the occupying oppression of the Romans.

PRAYER

Jesus, we are so grateful that you are the only authority we need. We praise you for enduring the questions and trickery that the religious leaders used against you. We know you could have gotten exasperated, lost your temper, and told off the religious leaders. Instead, you continued to teach, educate and explain to all who would listen who you are and how you save us. Thank you for holding fast to your mission. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.

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