Protestors vs. Pursuers
Jesus’ Authority – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Luke 20:1-8

Key Verse: Luke 20:2

“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”

As we continue to look at the questions these religious folks asked Jesus, we see that Jesus turned to telling a parable.  The teachers of the law acted like they wanted to know by what authority Jesus did the things He was doing.  Jesus knew they were simply trying to trick Him.  Jesus turned to the crowd and answered the question of His authority through a parable.

            The parable was about a man planting a vineyard and renting it to some farmers.  The owner went away for a long time.  At harvest time he sent a servant to collect some of the harvest for himself.  The farmers refused to pay up.  The owner sent a second servant; the farmers beat him and sent him on his way empty handed.  Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking the farmers would surely respect him, but they killed the son.

            Of course, Jesus was describing the past efforts of God sending prophets trying to get his people to turn from their sins and follow Him.  Jesus, God’s Son, was sent and would soon die at the hands of these religious “experts,” represented by the farmers in the parable.  The question of Jesus’ authority was answered; He was the Son of God.

            A true pursuer is seeking answers to this question of why they should give their lives to Jesus.  Why Jesus above other leaders in other religions?  Jesus is the only one—ever—who claimed to be the Son of God.  His sonship is His authority!

Father, I praise you for sending your Son Jesus and I have chosen to follow Him.  Help me to lead others in that same journey.  In Jesus’ name, amen.