23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” 24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”… (Matthew 21:23–25, NKJV)
It is not an unreasonable question, except for the fact that Jesus had shown them time and time again that His words and His deeds were by the authority of heaven. Just the day before, in the very place where Jesus drove out the defilers of God’s temple, He had healed the blind and the lame (Matt. 21:12-14). Still, they refused to believe (Jno. 12:37-41). Jesus has given ample proof that He is the Christ, the Son of God. All authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). It is your choice whether or not you will follow heaven’s authority by submitting to Jesus in obedient faith. By what authority do you live? Whose authority do you honor and obey; heaven’s or men’s? Choose wisely, for your choice has eternal consequences. Yield to the authority of heaven, and follow the Lord Jesus in all things (Col. 3:17).
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