Read : Luke 20:1-8

On one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, the priests and scribes came to him with the elders. They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?”

He answered them, “I also will ask you one question. Tell me: the baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?”

They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” They replied that they did not know where it was from.

Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Explanation

The leaders question Jesus’ authority not to seek understanding but to challenge it. Their concern is not for truth but for control, and their refusal to answer honestly reveals a deeper resistance within.

Jesus’ reply shows that clarity is not just intellectual—it is moral. When the heart refuses to submit, even clear truth is ignored. This moment highlights a subtle reality: we may ask questions about God, yet still resist His authority.

True understanding begins where honesty and surrender meet. The issue is not whether Jesus has authority, but whether we are willing to recognise it.

A question for today

What is God showing me about my willingness to accept His authority?

A sentence to take into the day

Clarity comes when I am honest before God.

One thing to do today

Be honest with God about one area where I have been resisting His truth.