And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?”
Socrates was able to get at the truth by asking questions of his opponent in order to find the truth through the answers given. It is called Socratic Dialogue. The above exchange between Jesus and the Chief Priests and elders could be called Messianic Dialogue. Jesus had just entered Jerusalem triumphantly as the Lamb of God to be slain. Just like the Passover lamb, he was examined for blemishes. This question was designed to expose a blemish, namely blasphemy, but Jesus replied with another question. Their answer to this question would get them to the truth because John proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Only God can do that. Jesus passed the examination, which meant that he would die on a cross to save us from our sins. Only God can do that. The religious leaders loved their authority more than the God who gave them that authority. They missed the Lamb because they wanted to be king. They tried to keep the law. Only God can do that.
Dear Lord, thank you for the cross and the Lamb, the price you paid for our salvation. We pray that we would surrender to your authority in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church