Luke 20, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 20:1-8

Observation: The chief priests and scribes were getting fed up with Jesus. They felt they had authority because they were the religious leaders, so they asked Jesus where He got His authority, trying to point out He had none. Instead Jesus turned the tables on them, asking whether John baptized with authority from heaven or human beings. They couldn't answer; if they said heaven they'd come across as hypocrites for not believing. If they said human, the crowds would riot because they knew John was sent from God. So they simply said, "We don't know." Therefore Jesus denied them an answer to their question.

Application: The chief priests acted like many politicians today: not wanting to take sides, they simply sat on the fence about John's authority. But if we are to stand for Jesus, then we have to stand. We can't sit around, and we can't give generic answers. Either He's God, or He's not. If we believe it, we must confess it, without fear.

Prayer: Father, in this time of "political correctness", no one wants to hear my Christian or Biblical point of view. People are offended by anyone who stands up for Jesus. I can't be afraid. I must stand strong. But I can't stand alone. Help me to have the words to defend You, Lord. Keep me in Your Word, and show me how to answer those who oppose You. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.