“And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.” (Luke 20:5-7 KJV).
The religious leaders, in questioning the Lord’s authority, they intended to trap Him. But knowing their hearts, the Lord exposed their hypocrisy by asking about their opinion of John the Baptist's baptism. This moment highlights the self-righteousness of the Pharisees versus the grace-based divine authority of the Lord. Trapped by their own game of entrapment, the Pharisees and priests backed off from answering the Lord’s question. They fear the crowd that they aim to gain applause from. That’s the design of religion - to please people instead of God.
The scribes and chief priests didn't want the truth; they wanted to trap our Lord Jesus Christ. They were threatened by His message of grace and truth that sets people free from the law. Our Lord Jesus knew they were dishonest and draw them in their own trap with their fear of the crowds. John the Baptist’s ministry prepared the way for the Messiah. By refusing to answer whether John's baptism was from heaven or man, the religious leaders gave away their rejection of the very Spirit of God.
Through His overarching message of the New Covenant of God’s grace, our Lord Jesus highlights that authority doesn't come from human approval or rigid religious rules. While the Pharisees demanded answers to defend their own religious control, our Lord Jesus operated out of complete reliance on the Father’s grace and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Hence, as sons and daughters of God in Christ Jesus, this reminds us to operate by the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is written: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:13-15 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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