LUKE 20:1–8
THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED
Text – Luke 20:1–8
1 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him,
2 and said to Him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority?”
3 He said to them in reply, “I shall ask you a question. Tell Me,
4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
5 They discussed among themselves, and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from.
8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Historical and Jewish Context
This scene unfolds shortly after Jesus’ triumphal entry and His cleansing of the temple. By teaching publicly in the temple courts, Jesus directly challenges the religious establishment’s control. The chief priests, scribes, and elders represent the Sanhedrin, responsible for overseeing doctrine and temple practice. Their question is not an honest search for truth but an attempt to undermine Jesus’ credibility. In Jewish tradition, prophets and rabbis typically received authority through recognized training or lineage, but Jesus’ authority came from His divine identity and mission. His counter-question about John exposes their fear-driven politics: they neither accepted John’s message nor dared to oppose him before the people.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Catholic theology highlights the distinction between divine authority and human institutional authority. Jesus’ authority is intrinsic, flowing from His unity with the Father (cf. Jn 10:30). The leaders’ inability to answer shows spiritual blindness and unwillingness to submit to God’s revelation. True authority in the Church imitates Christ—serving truth, fostering holiness, and guiding souls toward salvation. Jesus’ response reveals divine wisdom: He exposes hearts rather than engaging in fruitless debate. Those who resist conversion cannot understand or receive divine authority. The passage invites believers to humility before Christ, whose teaching authority endures through Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.
Parallels in Scripture
Dt 18:15–19 – The promised prophet who speaks God’s words.
Mt 21:23–27 – A parallel confrontation about Jesus’ authority.
Jn 7:16–17 – Jesus’ teaching comes from the One who sent Him.
Acts 4:7–10 – Apostles act by the authority of Jesus’ name.
Phil 2:9–11 – Christ exalted with supreme authority over all.
Key Terms
Authority (exousia) – Divine commissioning and rightful power to teach and act.
Baptism of John – A divine call to repentance preparing the way for the Messiah.
From heaven or from men – A contrast between divine and merely human origin.
Temple teaching – Jesus reclaiming His Father’s house as a place of truth and prayer.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears in weekday liturgies and is used especially in seasons calling for repentance and discernment. It emphasizes the need to recognize Christ’s authority and warns against resisting the grace of conversion. It teaches that Christian obedience is rooted in trust in Christ’s divine mission and in the Church’s Spirit-guided teaching office. Through this text, the faithful are reminded to receive Christ’s word with humility, not defensiveness.
Conclusion
The leaders question Jesus’ authority, but Jesus reveals their lack of sincerity and unwillingness to accept divine truth. His wisdom exposes their motives, demonstrating that true authority belongs to Him alone. Those who reject God’s message cannot understand God’s authority. Disciples are invited to respond with faith, openness, and obedience.
Reflection
Do I truly allow Christ to guide every part of my life, or do I resist His authority when it challenges my comfort?
Am I more concerned with reputation than with discipleship?
Christ calls me to humble obedience and to trust in His divine authority.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open my heart to recognize Your authority and to follow Your word with humility. Remove any pride or fear that leads me to resist Your truth. Grant me the grace to live in faithful obedience and to walk always in Your light. Amen.