April 25, 2021

The Authority of Jesus

Overview: 2 Samuel, 19-20, Luke 20:1-26

As the story of King David winds to a close, the rebellion of his son Absalom continues to have consequences. David triumphs and returns to Jerusalem, but as Nathan prophesied in 2 Samuel 12:10, “the sword shall never depart” from his house.

As Jesus continues his ministry in Jerusalem, his authority is challenged by the chief priests and the scribes. 

Observation and Activation

“The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.” - Luke 20:19

Because he is not a priest or a scribe, the religious establishment challenged Jesus’ authority to heal and teach in the temple. In response, Jesus told the parable of the wicked tenants to show how Israel had murdered the prophets God sent them in the Old Testament. Furious, Jesus’ opponents tried to trap Jesus by pitting him against Caesar or against God. 

Yet, Jesus spoke with wisdom “greater than Solomon” (Luke 11:31). In your own life, do you resist God’s authority by splitting hairs, or totally surrender your life to Him?