The day after Jesus drove the merchants and traders out of the temple, the chief priests, scribes and elders of the temple questioned his authority. It is not likely any of these temple authorities were around the day twelve-year-old Jesus held them spellbound with his teaching in the temple. If so, they would have known the answer to their question. Still, the many signs and wonders Jesus performed during his earthly ministry bear witness to the Father who sent him.
Now, Jesus has returned to his Father’s house. He has acted in the authority given him and cleansed the temple of all unrighteousness. He drove out those who profaned God’s house of prayer, and commenced to teach the people according to the Word. Jesus could have answered their question, but his answer would have fallen upon deaf ears.
Today, Christians have the authority of Christ to bear witness to the Father. Through our thoughts, words and deeds, we are to embody the example of our Lord Jesus set before us, and carry out his mandate to make disciples. As we share the good news of Christ and care for the needy among us, we work within the authority of the Father, through faith in the Son.
Prayer: Empower me, O Lord, that I may do your will. Amen.
In the Beginning 