A Question of Authority: The Parables of Jesus #13: an exposition of Matthew 21:23-46. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 12, 2015.
Intro:
You can’t argue it. We all know that it is true. We have more information available to us today than ever before. Information about every subject under the sun. Newspapers, books, magazines, newsletters, special reports, television, radio, all bringing us “vital information” that we must have. You name it – we probably have a cable channel specifically dedicated to that very subject! If not just “Google it” and you can find it.
You can’t turn around without running into some authority and their expert analysis. Of course the experts never agree. One group produces conclusive scientific evidence that we are the victims of global warming. Another group emerges from a 15-year study in the Antarctic and informs us we are well into another Ice Age! Remember Y2K? Have you noticed every news station from the 3 local news programs to the big news networks have their own legal experts. “Well, my authority says this.” “Well, my authority says that.” Back and forth we go with this voice shouting at that voice and that voice contradicting this voice and to borrow a line from William Shakespeare, “They are full of sound and fury signifying nothing!” For all the increase in our knowledge we are, sadly, none the wiser.
In the midst of all the noise and confusion don’t you wish there was a clear and distinct voice? An authority that could really be trusted? One whose words have the unmistakable ring of authenticity? There is such an authority and he speaks to the deepest needs of life. He deals in truth, truth that relates to meaning and purpose. To life and death issues. Not everyone agrees with him. In fact some violently disagree. However, he is endorsed by the Leading Authority.
I want you to see him in action. So come with me to Matthew the 21.
Text: Matthew 21:23-40
It was the week that changed the world.
The Passion Week.
During the Passover season, the time for celebrating God’s deliverance of the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage, the Lamb of God came to secure the ultimate deliverance.
Loved by the multitudes and despised by the establishment, one thing was certain you could not remain neutral about Jesus of Nazareth.
For years the religious establishment sought his death.
Hostility mounted with each passing day.
Even in the joy and celebration of the Passover the tension was obvious.
The crowd who shouted, “Hosanna,” as he entered the city on Sunday never dreamed of what would happen on Friday but he knew.
His time had come. The time determined by his Father in eternity past.
The time had come for the fulfillment of the promise made to Adam & Eve in the garden.
Portrayed in the events of the Passover.
Rehearsed in every sacrifice ever made.
Sung about by the psalmist and boldly proclaimed by the prophets.
Now he has come to the holy city to reveal himself as the Messiah.
There was no mistaking the meaning of his entrance on that Sunday.
It was no subtle message he declared upon his entrance to the Temple.
“I am here. I am the Messiah, the Great King. The Lord of the Temple.”
His actions raised the question of his authority, a question dealt with in our text.
Thesis: The events of Matthew 21 unquestionably demonstrate the sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus.
The authority of the Lord Jesus is demonstrated two ways in our text.
- The authority of Jesus is reflected in the fact that he cannot be intimidated. (21:23-27)
- The authority of Jesus is made manifest in his stern rebuke of the religious establishment. (21:28-46)
- The authority of the Lord Jesus is solidly based on his role in redemption. (21:42)