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When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the
elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said,
“By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you
this authority?” Matthew 21:25–27
The chief priests and the elders of the people were supposed to
shepherd the people into eternal salvation. They were supposed to
be instruments of God’s divine will, prophetic voices, and priests
who offered holy sacrifices for the atonement of sin. In practice,
they were none of those things.
As this Gospel passage progresses, we see more clearly why Jesus
rebuked them so firmly. “Jesus said to them in reply, ‘I shall ask
you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell
you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism
from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?’” (Matthew 21:24–25).
The religious leaders refused to answer the question because
neither answer suited their agenda. If they said John’s baptism was
of heavenly origin, they feared that Jesus would ask them why they
didn’t believe John. If they said of earthly origin, they feared
the crowd who believed John to be a prophet. So they took the easy
way out and said, “We do not know.” As a result, Jesus did not
answer their question.
Jesus’ response to these religious leaders gives us insight into
how to respond to those in our lives who directly challenge our
faith. At times, we might encounter criticism that is irrational.
We might be tempted to get angry and engage that irrational
criticism. This often leads to an unproductive conversation.
Our Lord’s approach to irrationality in this passage was quite
different. Though Jesus judged these religious leaders as God, His
human interaction with them was not judgmental or defensive.
Instead, He asked a question that forced them to face their
irrationality, bringing it into the light. When they refused to
admit their irrationality, Jesus remained silent.
One thing this tells us is that it is rarely beneficial to engage a
person on the level of their irrationality. Silently forgiving
their judgment does not mean we need to engage them in it. If
someone confronts us with humility and sincerity, this opens the
door to a healthy conversation. If their questioning of our actions
is irrational, it’s often best ignored. This approach is loving
because it imitates our Lord and diffuses the irrational criticism,
opening the door to a more healthy conversation later.
Reflect today on whether Jesus’ experience with the irrational
religious leaders of His time is something you experience with
those in your life. Though some people are blessed to be surrounded
by very supportive and faith-filled family and friends, others are
not. Ponder the ways God wants you to live your faith openly, even
if it draws criticism. When it does, try to imitate the humility
and wisdom Jesus manifested so that you are not drawn into
unhealthy and irrational conversations.
Lord of true Wisdom, You always knew how to interact with people
with perfect charity and truth. To those who needed Your
compassion, You were compassionate. To those who were irrational,
You humbly revealed their irrationality. Please give me the gift of
wisdom so that I will always relate to those in my life in accord
with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.
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