Matthew 21:25 "The baptism of John––where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 "But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
If they lived what they talked they could have answered instantly without hesitation. But they live for popularity. Beware when reasoning must take place before answering a simple question. These men were weighing the outcome. They knew the right answer but rather than give it and become accountable they would rather avoid it to try to save face. These men knew what was at stake.
You cannot run from the truth forever. Beware your sin shall find you out. Being religiously correct will betray a person in time. God knows how to get at the heart of any person no matter how much they try to hide what they really believe.
Matthew 21:28 ¶ "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 "He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 "Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31a "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first."
Answering a question about John the Baptist is too risky for these popularity loving leaders. So Jesus made it easier for them.
No one can catch us in a lie better than God. That is exactly what happens here. These leaders are living a lie. They are not walking in faith and obedience.
They thought they dodged the very pointed first question, and likely feel they hit this second one out of the park. This second question seems safe to answer for them, but it reveals that they have knowledge and just do not wish to act on it themselves.
Find out in our next post how Jesus responds to their lack of obedience to the truth.
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
