Who is this Jesus?
As Christmas is drawing closer, there is so much being said about the first advent of Christ. From Zachariahs’ prophecy, the barrenness of Elizabeth, the angelic announcement, the immaculate conception, Joseph’s faith, the Roman census, to the shepherds’ faithfulness in “keeping watch over their flock by night.” By the time of Jesus' birth and ministry, the Romans had established a two-tiered system of government consisting of Roman overseers and Jewish leaders who exercised control in the name of Rome. This was the system of power in which the Jewish religious leaders found their authority and Herod the Great grew to prominence.
In Luke 20, the Jewish world was undergoing various political and religious conflicts. One of the areas of conflicts was the question of Jesus’ authority as He sought to fulfill God’s will and purpose. On several occasions Jesus went against the political expectations of the people (Luke 19:10) and was opposed to the religious elite, often admonishing them for their hypocrisy by weeping over Jerusalem and by cleansing the temple from the money changers (Luke 19:45-48). Hence, the religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority. By asking Jesus the authority for His actions, the religious authorities hoped to trap Him in a statement of blasphemy. Jesus knowing their intent, He asked “The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4). The answer would obviously provide the source of Christ’s authority—He is indeed divine.
Have you questioned Jesus’ authority to be the Savior and Lord of your life? I want to encourage you to examine the evidence, as they were shown to those who doubted Christ’s authority. My prayer for you is that you would allow Him to take control of your life this Christmas.
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