Matthew 21:23-27 NRSVue
23When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why, then, did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for all regard John as a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
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Reflection on Matthew 21:23-27
Inspiration from 2026-12-14 Daily Prayer
The chief priests and elders are not only asking by what authority Jesus is teaching, but also who gave him the right to cleanse the temple, to heal people in the temple and to inspire the children to sing and shout ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’. All of these things have taken place in the short time since Jesus entered Jerusalem and was enthusiastically welcomed by the crowds. It’s no wonder that the religious leaders feel their authority is being challenged.
The reaction of the religious leaders to Jesus is fearful and defensive. They are more concerned with maintaining their own status and that of the temple institution than with entertaining the possibility that Jesus has something to say to them. Does this remind you of any attitudes in the Church today? We pray for open hearts and minds, that we may focus less on defending the institution and more on listening to what Jesus is saying to us.
Further reflection
God is busy in our world, trying to get people to see clearly. Like the priests and elders, do I sometimes evade the truth of what God is trying to tell me? I ask Jesus to help me to be a truthful person. Even small lies and deceptions should have no place in my speech.
Among the people of God, authority can be misused. Jesus used his divine authority, not to dominate, but to serve. Whatever authority I have, let me use it in loving service of those around me.
In this exchange, Jesus might look as if he is playing a cheap trick on the Chief priests and elders. But notice the differences between them. The Chief priests and the elders are motivated by a desire to protect their own position and authority, and by fear - they are afraid of the crowds. Jesus, on the other hand, always speaks out fearlessly, regardless of how it might jeopardise his popularity.
Do I let fear run my life? Do I make decisions on the basis of preserving my position and power? Can I talk to Jesus about this, and ask for the grace to be free, as he was?
There is a big mystery about Jesus: where he came from, why he does what he does. Everything about him made people think, doubt, get confused or find faith. He wants us to mull over his life, savour it, even take our doubts seriously. Prayer is our daily insertion - personal or communal - into the mystery of the life and the purpose of Jesus in his life on earth. In him heaven and earth are mingled. In prayer heaven mingles with earth. Praise God!