“One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. ‘Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,’ they said. ‘Who gave you this authority?’ He replied, ‘I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?’”
- Luke 20:1-4 -

Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick, driving out demons and raising the dead showed where his authority came from. His authority was from heaven— the authority of the Messiah. Instead of accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the religious leaders raised the question of where he came from. Jesus indirectly answered this question, asking where John’s authority came from. The religious leaders hardened their hearts, saying, ‘We don’t know.’ We see here how hard our heart can be. In pride and sinful greed, we refuse Jesus to be our Lord and to rule over us. We need to surrender ourselves to His authority. We then have His kingdom - His rule of love and peace. We live a blessed life of fulfilling His holy will.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Rule over me with your truth and grace today. Fulfill your holy will in me and through me.