Reading: Luke 20.1-8 (NLT)
One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
“Let me ask you a question first,” he 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 why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet.” So they finally replied that they didn’t know.
And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father – You put Christ Jesus over all rulers, authorities, powers, and kings. You have given him authority over everything that has power in this world or in the next world. Lord Jesus – Everything is under your power and you are head over everything for the church. Holy Spirit – Give me the gift of discernment and the wisdom to test all things by conformity to your Word and Spirit. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Spiritual Song: “Ancient Words” – Lynn DeShazo
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