Proper 21: Gospel, Matthew 21: 23-27                             

Matthew 21:23-27

I became a Christian as a college student. I love to tell the story, because it was such a major interruption in the course of my life at the time, it had to be the work of the Lord. God be praised! One of my pre-Christian traits that I carry to this day is the love of argument. It’s not always negative, but I do like a good stir. Especially when I’m winning. And I specifically remember loving this passage from my early Christian days because Jesus hands it to his opponents. Big time. Let’s look.

Authority is received. Well for just about everyone, that is. The opponents of Jesus in our reading this week haven’t quite figured out where Jesus is “coming from.” They have authority because the Law gives it to them. And they love it. They love it so much that they sense Jesus is making ruin of a good thing. So with miracles and captivating teaching coming from his lips, they have to break up the growing admiration for the carpenter of Nazareth. “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority” (Matthew 21:23)? You see, they have no concept that Jesus receives no authority as God the Son. He IS authority. 

Jesus enters into the argument by posing a question about the ministry of his cousin, John. In effect the challenge is “You answer my question and I’ll answer yours.” Jesus sets out the question of the origin of John’s baptism knowing well that his inquisitors were going to be in a pickle no matter their answer. It is a masterful strategy. If they say the baptism is heavenly, Jesus will challenge their lack of belief and obedience. If they say it is only of human origin, well they may have a riot on their hands. What are a good chief priest and his minions to do?

He’s got ‘em. If you’re like me and love a good argument, your heart is starting to beat a bit faster and perhaps you are salivating in advance as Jesus moves in for the … kill would be such an ugly word. But alright. The kill. What’s their answer? It does come, but do note it is given collectively. No one has the courage to step out alone. “We do not know” comes their reply.

My paraphrase of Jesus' comeback? “End of discussion. I’m taking my ball and going home.” I LOVE IT. It’s the last word. And not only here, but in everything our Lord has the last word. We would be well advised to listen well.