What Jesus Did! 'Authority!' — Matthew 21:23-27

Monday, October 6, 2025

Blessed Christmas!

Our prayer is that the presence of Jesus be with you and fill you with hope, peace, and love!

 Read More
When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?"

"I'll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?"

They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn't believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we'll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet." So they finally replied, "We don't know."

And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things.

— Matthew 21:23-27 NLT

Key Thought

"By what authority?"

Mmmm ... interesting question, isn't it? By what authority did Jesus do all that he did in his ministry? This is the quintessential question of the Gospel. This is the ultimate question each of us must ask ourself. Did Jesus do what he did based on the authority of God, as God's Son? Or was Jesus just another crackpot, pretend messiah? The way we answer those questions must not leave us in a lukewarm and indecisive place. Either we recognize Jesus as Lord with all authority, or we do not.

Incredibly, the religious and political elite expected the journey through Jesus' crucifixion to be the asserting of their authority over a rebellious peasant. In fact, even the trial scenes reveal that Jesus is the only one through all of it who has true authority. The real question for us is whether we are ready to submit to that authority!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I believe Jesus has all authority. I want to live more and more each day under that authority, yielding to your will and doing your work in the world. In Jesus' precious and powerful name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 21:23-27 NLT — "We don't know."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, October 6, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Clothed with Christ' (Co. 3:12-14)
"Dear Father, Grant that we may clothe ourselves with Christ, for he is a garment of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Make the Most of Every Earthly Opportunity'
"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 2 Corinthians 8:9
"The Lord Jesus Christ was eternally rich, glorious, and exalted; but "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor." As the rich saint cannot..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Has Set His People Free' (Lk. 1:67-68)
"Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free.""

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!