When Questions Aren't Really Questions - Matthew 21:23-27

The religious leaders approached Jesus in the temple with what seemed like a straightforward question: "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"

But Jesus knew their hearts. This wasn't a genuine inquiry seeking understanding. It was a trap, an attempt to corner him into saying something they could use against him.

So Jesus did something unexpected. He answered their question with a question of his own about John the Baptist's authority. And suddenly, the religious leaders found themselves caught in their own trap. They couldn't answer honestly because they feared what the crowd might think.

The Heart of the Matter

This gospel confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: How often do we come to God with questions we don't really want answered? How often do we pray for guidance while secretly hoping God will rubber-stamp the decision we've already made?

The chief priests and elders didn't want to know where Jesus' authority came from. They wanted him to incriminate himself. They cared more about protecting their position and reputation than about discovering truth.

Our Own Questions

We do the same thing. We ask God questions but fear the answers might require us to change. We seek wisdom but hope it aligns with what we already believe. We pray for direction but worry the path might be difficult.

The religious leaders refused to answer Jesus because they feared the crowd. What do we fear? Change? Sacrifice? Looking foolish? Admitting we were wrong?

The Invitation

This Advent reading invites us to examine our hearts. When we come to God in prayer, are we genuinely seeking truth, or are we looking for validation? Are we willing to let the answer reshape our lives, or do we only want answers that leave everything as it is?

Jesus waits for us to be ready to hear him. He won't force himself on us. But when we come with sincere hearts, truly seeking, he reveals himself with power and authority that can heal our souls and set us free.

The question isn't whether Jesus has authority. The question is whether we're willing to recognize it, even when it challenges everything we thought we knew.

A Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me the courage to ask real questions and the humility to accept real answers. Help me care more about truth than about being right, more about your will than about my comfort. Open my heart to recognize your authority in my life, even when it calls me to change. Amen.