Jesus is questioned in the Temple by the Elders and the Chief Priest

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Third Week : Monday*

*Gospel :  Mt 21:23-27*

*First Reading : Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : 25: 4-9*

*Jesus is questioned in the Temple by the Elders and the Chief Priest*

*1) Intention of Questioning* 

*A) To challenge and undermine Jesus’ legitimacy*

Jesus had: Driven out money changers, Taught with authority, Attracted large crowds

This threatened their control over the Temple and the people. By questioning His authority publicly, they hoped to discredit Him.

*B) To trap Him*

If Jesus said, “My authority comes from God,” they could accuse Him of blasphemy. If He denied divine authority, they could dismiss Him as a false teacher. Jesus responds by asking about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing their hypocrisy.

*C) To protect their power, not the truth*

They feared: Losing influence, Angering the crowd (who believed John was a prophet), Roman intervention if unrest grew. Their concern was self-preservation, not discernment of God’s will.

*2) Did they really not know who Jesus was?*

This is the crucial point. They had enough evidence to know, but they refused to accept it.

They had seen or heard of: Jesus’ miracles, His authoritative teaching, His fulfillment of prophecy, John the Baptist’s testimony. Their problem was not lack of information, but lack of openness.

Jesus’ question about John exposes this: They did not deny John was from God. They simply refused to acknowledge it. This is often called willful blindness—choosing not to see because the truth demands change.

*3) Points to Ponder* 

*A) Authority and obedience are inseparable* :To recognize Jesus’ authority means surrendering control. The leaders resisted not because Jesus lacked authority, but because His authority challenged their way of life.

*B) Religious position does not guarantee spiritual insight* : The Chief Priests knew Scripture deeply, yet missed God standing before them. Knowledge without humility can harden the heart.

*C) Fear can silence truth* : They feared public opinion more than God. When fear governs decisions, truth becomes negotiable.

*D) God’s authority is often recognized by the humble, not the powerful* : Tax collectors, sinners, and ordinary people responded to Jesus more readily than the religious elite.

*E) An honest question leads to truth; a dishonest question leads to evasion* : Because their question was insincere, Jesus did not give them a direct answer. God often responds to us according to the posture of our hearts, not just our words.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*