Sermon Text: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18
Matthew 21:23-27
O Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.
That must have been a tense, confrontational moment, when the group of Chief priests and elders gathered around Jesus and demanded an answer from him, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
You have most likely witnessed or participated in a similar kind of conversation. It may have even happened in your very own home. Take for example, little brother says to bossy big sister, “You are not the boss of me! I don’t have to do what you say.” Or, someone says something you do not like, and you say back, “What gives you the right to say that to me?” Or, you look out the window and see that a big work truck with a crew comes onto your property and precedes to get chain saws out to cut down your beloved trees. You go out and demand, “Who gave you the right to take down those trees?”
Those three scenarios are similar to the question demanded of Jesus. Where is the authority that allows the presumption of these words and behaviors? Well, big sister was put in charge of little brother by Dad and Mom before they went out for a much-needed quiet evening out. They declared that she was in charge while they were away. Or, in the second scenario, it turns out that the acquaintance who presumed to issue a judgment really did not have anyone’s backing to offer an obnoxious observation and opinion. He thought he was being helpful. In the third scenario, the foreman in the work truck has the unpleasant task of telling the upset homeowner that they are clearing the right of way of trees so that they do not interfere with the power lines. They have the authority of the electric company. And, by the way, please listen to your messages and read your mail, because you were told we were coming.
The men in charge of the temple want to know, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” The words, “these things” refer to four specific action items.
First, they either witnessed or heard about the way that the people of the countryside and the city of Jerusalem gave Jesus tremendous honor. This is what we commemorate on Palm Sunday. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, there was great expectation about him. The people lined the streets. As he rode into the city, cloaks and palm branches were thrown on the road before him. People shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” The people honored Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus received this honor knowing full well that the mood of the crowd would change in coming days.
Second, the non-violent Jesus that used words and prayer to make things happen seemingly acted out of character. He was deeply disturbed by what had become common place on the grounds of the temple. Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons for sacrifice. He disrupted legitimate businesses. He accused the businessmen of being robbers and practicing their thievery in the temple. He accused them of sacrilege. He drove the sinners out!
Third, on the temple grounds Jesus healed the sick. He did not refer anyone to doctors. In the very place that honors and worships God through sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61. He brought sight to the blind and made the lame walk. He did not ask permission. He healed because there was need and He could.
Fourth, he continued his teaching ministry on temple grounds. He sought no permission. He presented no credentials. He presumed to teach with authority just like he had been since he was baptized. And, undoubtably, people hung on his every word as they always did.
In his teaching he only referenced the Pentateuch and the prophets. He always referred to the established and well know Scriptures. He did not associate with a particular rabbinic school. He quoted the Psalms, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah and other prophets. He did not teach like other religious teachers. He did not draw upon the authority of other rabbis or teachers which was standard practice. He brought forth his own interpretation of the Scriptures. Jesus would say, “You have heard it said, but I say to you.” His style of presentation was highly unusual.
The men in charge of the temple want to know, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” The chief priests and elders are concerned with authority and the credentialing agency. Jesus is concerned with faith and belief. This is when the gospel reading becomes a sad indictment upon those entrusted with leadership of the temple. The very men who are entrusted with the care and work of the holy things of God, do not see the gift of God that is before them. The very men who should embrace Jesus, do not. They hold him at arm’s length and soon thereafter work toward his crucifixion.
Instead of defending himself, Jesus chooses to force the men to make a statement of faith. They must declare their belief. What they believe about John the Baptist will reveal what they think of Jesus as the Son of David and the blessed one who comes in the name of the Lord. The sad truth is that they did not believe that John the Baptist was fulfilling the words of the prophet Isaiah as the voice in the wilderness. They did not believe John the Baptist when he announced that he had baptized the Messiah and that he witnessed the Holy Spirit fall upon Jesus as a dove. Nor did they believe John’s declaration that Jesus is the Lamb of God and the very Son of God.
Their waffling and attempt to find a “political” answer based on the thoughts of the people revealed their lack of faith in Jesus. Their statement of “We don’t know” revealed that, yes, they do know. They know that John the Baptist and Jesus do not act on the authority of God. They do not believe that John is the voice in the wilderness. They do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They do not believe.
Before long, they find opportunities to silence Jesus. Or, so they thought.
The good news that comes out of this sad state of affairs is that Jesus took up the cross for all of us sinners. Jesus died for the salvation of the chief priests and elders. Jesus dies on the cross so that you may receive salvation. The Father gave the Son the authority to be the Passover Lamb who dies for the sake of the world. Jesus dies on the cross so that all people may have faith in Jesus, receive the baptism that He instituted, and have the wrath of the Father pass over their sins because they are forgiven on account of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
While we are horrified that God had to do this for us; we are grateful that He did. The Holy Spirit creates faith within you through the proclamation of the Word. Because of this faith, you can answer the question that Jesus asked of the religious leaders with confidence. The authority of John the Baptist comes from the God that has mercy upon you. The authority of Jesus Christ comes from God the Father who so loved you that he sent his only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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