URC Daily Devotion 19 February 2026

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.  John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’  But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

Reflection

This little clash with the powers that be takes place in a tumultuous week for Jesus. Indeed, just a few verses before this Jesus has been turning tables and upsetting things in the Temple because, as he sees it, “a house of prayer has turned into a den of thieves.”

So here come the righteous demanding to know of Jesus, just who does he think he is? Of course, they put it more diplomatically.  They are, after all, the religious leaders and elders – people of standing in this establishment.  They assume an authority of their own so perhaps, as they ask of Jesus on whose authority does he do what he does, they are implying he doesn’t have their permission, so he shouldn’t be doing it!

Jesus knows what they’re up to.

These are the same leaders and elders who have allowed the Temple to become a safe place for thieves not a place to learn repentance and reform.  Like the wise rabbi he is, he answers their question with one of his own and confronts them with their own hypocrisy.  If they were acting in obedience to God these same leaders and elders would have been applauding Jesus, not trying to stop him.

In today’s world there are plenty of people who are prepared to act on their own authority and try to bully and control others who don’t defer to them.  In this age of entitlement, selfishness and greed are constantly at war with Jesus’ values of love of God and love of one another.

Jesus demonstrates that staying true to God’s way doesn’t need to be defended, it just needs to be done.

Prayer

God of love, thank you for showing yourself in Jesus and reminding us that your Way is the best way.  Amen.