“By what authority are you doing these things?” (V.23). Context: Chief priests and elders ask the question, “By what authority are you doing these things?” was a reaction to Jesus’ cleansing the temple by expelling the dealers of animals and money changers from the temple precincts. Thus, they were questioning his authority to enter the city in a triumphal procession, allowing the children to acclaim him, curing the sick, casting out merchants and moneychangers, and teaching in the Temple area.
It was a trap. If Jesus claimed Divine authority, as the Messiah, they would bring a charge of blasphemy. If he answered Human authority he would be arrested as a mad zealot and he handed over to political authorities. So, Jesus refused to answer. Instead, he asked a counter question about John the Baptist and his message – was this from God or man, Divine or Human? If they answered Divine, the questioners would be asked to explain why they had not accepted John’s message and his witness-bearing that Jesus was the Messiah.
If they answered human, they would have to face the anger of the crowd who had accepted John as a prophet. Hence, they kept silent, opting for a shameful self-humiliation.
As Jesus says He is sent by God and Father has put all things into his power (Jn. 13:3). The source of the authority of Jesus is His communion with the Father which he experienced through prayer. Similarly, the source of the authority of Christians in all what they do originates from their connectivity with God through prayer and acts of compassion. Amen.
Fr. Jerry Vallomkunnel MCBS