Resurrection Day – 5: The One Who Doesn’t Need Permission
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Matthew 21:23-23:39
23 "When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
Five days before God raised Jesus from the dead, He spent the day at the temple teaching. That detail should make you stop and listen. When most of us feel pressure, we rush. When we feel threatened, we hide. When we know hard days are coming, we protect ourselves. But Jesus walked straight into the busiest, loudest, most religious, and most antagonistic setting in the city and taught as if he owned the place.
That’s when the leaders stepped in with the big question: “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23). Translation: Who do you think you are?
Jesus didn’t blink. He didn’t stutter. He didn’t ask for a vote. He didn’t borrow authority; he carried it. Just like always. When the storm tried to swallow the disciples, Jesus didn’t hold a meeting with the wind. He spoke: “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). And the waves obeyed. The disciples asked the right question: “Who then is this…?” (Mark 4:41). Yes. Who is he? He is the One creation recognizes.
At a tomb in Bethany, Jesus didn’t whisper hopeful wishes into the dark. He commanded the dead: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). And death had to let go. That is not the voice of a teacher with opinions. That is the voice of a King with keys.
And on the mountain, when Jesus shone with glory, the Father didn’t say, “Consider his ideas.” The Father said, “This is my Son… listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). Not debate with him. Not grade him. Listen to him.
So, what do you do with a Jesus like this? What do you think of a Jesus who confronts evil, and who has been given authority unmeasured, who spoke creation into being with a word, and who will, in just a few days raise from the dead?
Under the circumstances, perhaps we should stop arguing. We should stop managing him. We should stop asking him to be a helpful assistant. Perhaps, just perhaps, we should kneel. We should listen. Because the One who taught in the temple five days before Easter morning is the same One who later said,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
And He is the One God raised from the dead. And, more importantly, He is the one who will raise you from the dead.
