Faithful on Fridays Blog

Let’s set the stage for Jesus’ final week in His eternal city: Jerusalem (Matt. 21). Being declared the Son of David and King of Israel inflamed the religious leaders and they’re ready for a fight. “Who do You think You are?” The question was clear, “Where do You get this authority?” Let’s explore the reason Jesus told several prolific parables since it was His last chance to impart wisdom, preparing His followers for the future. Since we’re in the midst of the ‘end times’ it’s vital we receive His wisdom in preparation to endure our future, whatever that looks like.

Jesus marched into the Temple overturning tables, drove out moneychangers, healed the blind and lame and the children cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Eeeks, the religious leaders’ noses were definitely out of joint.

The questions about authority were valid, however, their motives were not. The word authority is used five times so let’s clearly understand it’s meaning. It’s a legal word that infers someone in a higher position delegates the right or power for their designee to command and control in their name. Jesus knew where His authority came from,

For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. John 12:49

Clearly, Jesus understood His position and authority and knew it was imperative that His followers understood theirs since He’d be leaving them; hence the parable of the Two Sons only recounted by Matthew. Jesus purposely chose a father who delegated assignments to his polar opposite sons for His first ‘end times’ story. The father had the authority or right to command his sons, however, the sons’ attitudes were contrasted and transparent. 

The first one indignantly refused to comply; he rebelled against his father’s authority, thankfully, having a heart-change, he later obeyed. The second one agreed to the mission with his words, but in fact didn’t do it. Jesus asked the religious leaders, who obeyed the will of his father? Well, obviously the first one. He’s attempting to show these leaders that their Heavenly Father has also given them an assignment, but their actions reveal there’s been no heart-change. They don’t believe in Him even though John the Baptist showed them the ‘way of righteousness’ and they’ve observed His supernatural ministry serving and loving people. Sinners, like tax collectors and prostitutes, humble themselves and enter into the Kingdom of God enjoying the higher life he told them, but in their pride … they won’t.

“Who do You think He is?” He’s the One who gives the repentant forgiveness of sin along with position and authority to accomplish His mission. He’s the One who knows what’s ahead in your life, even in these end times, and prepares you. He’s the One who desires you to live in constant peace and joy without regard for your life circumstances and gives you the right to stand in it. 

Stand therefore, Eph. 6:14a