Daily Word Of God
Matthew 21:23-27
Jesus had gone into the Temple and was teaching, when the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him and said, ‘What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority?’ In reply Jesus said to them, ‘And I will ask you a question, just one; if you tell me the answer to it, then I will tell you my authority for acting like this. John’s baptism: what was its origin, heavenly or human?’
And they argued this way among themselves, ‘If we say heavenly, he will retort to us, “Then why did you refuse to believe him?” but if we say human, we have the people to fear, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’
So their reply to Jesus was, ‘We do not know.’ And he retorted to them, ‘Nor will I tell you my authority for acting like this.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Jesus’ actions and teaching authority come from God. Yet, why are we so skeptical and doubtful about what He tells us through His Gospel and His Church’s Teachings?
- Understanding Jesus’ authority requires an openness of heart, a deep faith in the Spirit’s presence and guidance of the Church. This faith is deepened by a meaningful and discerning prayer life.
- Are my faith deep enough and my prayer life regular enough?