Jesus was having quite a week, and it was only three days in. On Sunday, He had had His "grand entrance", on tamed donkey back, into Jerusalem; adoring crowds shouting in celebration much to the annoyance of the religious leaders. On Monday, He had made His whip and then chased the money-changers, merchants and animal merchandise out of the Court of the Gentiles rebukingly announcing to those "religious" folks, that His Father's house of prayer had been turned into a marketplace! Shame on them. How could they have done such a thing!
Once He had cleared out the Court, He then taught the people while they clung on to every single word He uttered. That seemed to have carried over to the next day, as on Tuesday, He was found continuing His teaching discourse to the people.
We often find Jesus teaching-most often in parables. As He navigated the dusty roads between Galilee and Jerusalem, and sites in between, folks found Him healing, casting out demons, and....teaching. What was He teaching and preaching?
The "Good News".
What was this 'Good News'? It was the gospel of the Kingdom of God which would be established on Earth. Thus when Jesus entered Jerusalem on the donkey, they were so jubilant. In their minds, "Aha! Finally! Finally He comes to be King, rescue them from the Roman tyrants, and set up an earthly kingdom." No wonder they were disappointed when that didn't transpire the way they believed it should. Their thoughts were definitely not God's thoughts.
However, to weave that in and briefly turn tack, take a look at what a kingdom is. According to good ole Google, a kingdom is a nation with all its citizens, land and laws ruled by a king." Ah, wow? No brainer, right? There's more....
In these four elements of a kingdom as applied to the Kingdom of God: who is The King, where is the territory, who are the citizens and how are the laws and form of government administered?
The king, of course, is Supreme Ruler, this infers, for our topic here, that Jesus is the King (because He is). The territory is a specific location with defined boundaries over which the king rules. Jesus' territory was/is, all the world.
"For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16 KJV).
Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world (or "all nations") to preach and proclaim the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). They did eventually and so have many faithful believers in Jesus Christ, since.
The citizens within the borders of the Kingdom of God are the people from the whole wide world and who have accepted Jesus as Savior. Our Heavenly Father says in Revelation 7:9 (ESV) that there will be people from every tribe and nation,
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."
Oh, that's interesting..."with palm branches in their hands". The multitudes that were shouting, "Hosanna" when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, also laying palm branches along the roadway in respect and reverence. This type of esteem was a sign of an important dignitary, especially one of royalty. This is truly noteworthy.
Back to the drawing board here. The fourth element that characterizes a kingdom, is its laws and form of government, through which the will of the king is exercised.
The "will of the king"... From time to time, a king will create a new law or decree that stems from happenings in the kingdom which may or may not be in opposition to a former law. The citizens must change with the law.
There are very few kingdoms left in the world nowadays. There's the kingdom of Brunei Darussalem, which is on the island of Borneo nestled between the two East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak; in addition, sharing the island with a state of Indonesia. Thailand and Saudi Arabia are other nations which have a king or sultan. The rest of the countries being democratic, socialistic and/or communistic in nature. If you don't live in a kingdom or have never experienced it, you won't get the full import of the 'feel'. The King's word is law.
For general interest sake, Malaysia has nine sultans and each take a five-year term, turn, to be the king pin acting more like a figure head or arbitrator at times, among other duties. So these are designated changes. However, in a more full-fledged kingdom, the king reigns steadily until he dies or passes the kingship on to his crown prince son. There is a more steady family line going down from father to son, or perhaps a daughter, depending on the country.
So in lieu of a government that's...
"of the people, by the people and for the people" (Abraham Lincoln),
...you have a king. The subjects are then at his mercy.
Getting back to Jesus and His kingdom...
How does Jesus govern? By His love and grace. So do His righteousness and justice, and this is only the tip of the iceburg being mentioned. The divine attributes of God are so many.
We, God's children through the acceptance of salvation through Jesus, are citizens of the Kingdom of God and we need to be obedient to Him and His will and ways. Where can we discover His will and ways? Through His word, the Holy Bible and His Holy Spirit within us, teaching, leading and guiding willing hearts.
If any of these four elements are ignored, the message of Jesus, brought from God our Father; that is, the message of faith in Jesus, will be distorted and will not bring salvation. The news will not be 'good'.
Put it like this...If there's a supreme king who says there's no god or that god is something else, the message of the Kingdom of God is distorted. Or, you say Jesus is only come for a certain group of people, not for everybody. Things are changed and its not right. There will not be salvation.
We learn to please God from what the Bible says, so if someone says God's Word is a bunch of myths or full of contradictions or just nice stories, but don't think its the living, breathing truth, and therefore not real; again, the truth is distorted and you won't have salvation. The news, definitely is not, 'good'.
Yet, Jesus was teaching. The eager throngs of ordinary citizens listened entranced as Jesus "proclaimed the good news", that Tuesday.
Trouble was brewing though. An official inquiry perpetrated by members of the Sanhedrin: chief priests, teachers of the Law and the elders, came up to Jesus. They wanted to know, in no uncertain terms, just who gave Him, and how, the right and authority "to do these things" (verse 2 of Luke 20). Seems this group were rather affronted by Jesus and in some ways you can empathize with them as they felt they were being displaced.
Just who was this Sanhedrin bunch, anyway, and how did it have clout to think it could confront Jesus?
The Sanhedrin was a Jewish High Court. It consisted of seventy-one members: men coming from among the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders of the Jewish clans. They were led by the High Priest. They could decide about almost every court matter except for that which required the death penalty. Only the Romans, under whose regime they were captives, could decide that. Thus, when they wanted Jesus crucified, they had to involve the Romans. They held court in an anteroom of the Court of the Priests in the Temple.
Incidentally, a majority of the Sanhedrin members were of the Sadducee sect. We'll discuss more about them another time. Suffice it to say, that they were given a high level of power and authority from said, Romans, thus their feeling of superiority over the rest of their fellow Jews. Thus, too, the antagonism between them and the other groups, especially from the Pharisees.
To explain a wee bit further, the chief priests were the ones to offer up sacrifices on behalf of the people. As mentioned earlier, they were headed by the High priest.
The High Priest was the only one who could go into the most holy place of the Temple where the Ark of the LORD was placed. Many folks call this area the "Holy of Holies". He could only go in once a year and NOT empty-handed. In each hand he must have the blood of an animal: on one hand for the remission of his own sins; and on the other hand, on behalf of the rest of the people, for their sins.
This High Priest would have to realize that this was the presence of Holy, Righteous God that he was entering and not to be taken lightly. Nowadays, we can enter directly into God's presence by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus. We do not need a priest to mediate for us. We confess our sins to Jesus, He will forgive and purify us from all sins (1 John 1:9) because it has been His blood which has given us remission of sins. His sacrifice has been good, once, for all, for all persons of the world who wish His salvation gift, and this is good for all time and eternity.
The teachers of the law were the ones who knew God's laws and word, and taught the people. The part of the Law they most likely would have been from the five books of Moses, the prophets, Psalms, Proverbs; basically the whole Old Testament. The New Testament was unfolding at that time. These men were generally well respected.
Can you see how, when Jesus "jumps into" their "territory", they would get upset? He was cutting into their turf, as they saw it, and causing them a tumultuous turmoil of effrontery. They never realized, or wanted to realize, that this was their Messiah, and this building was designated as Jesus' Father's house of prayer and worship.
Then there were the elders. This segment of the Sanhedrin was assembled from among influential families of Jerusalem and tribal and family heads. Together with the other two groups they made up this High Court of Law which 'reigned' and presided over the Temple, and it's people, in religious as well as secular matters. There would be similar prominent assemblages of 'officials' in the towns among the Jewish population; law and order must be kept.
The Sanhedrin then, was legally entitled to question anyone on matters relating to Roman law as well as their own Jewish beliefs. If they felt anyone was not speaking truth about God and God's laws; they would stick their oar in and confront the person. They would do this especially to a 'new' teacher or rabbi (as they called them).
Apparently, it was a practice for any would-be rabbi, to train under a respected rabbi, who would then eventually bestow a certificate or diploma upon a person who'd reached a certain level of accountability in their knowledge of God and His laws, and teaching of it. This is actually something good, right and proper.
So they questioned Jesus.
Do you suppose Jesus had this certification? Not from mankind, He didn't. His was from a Higher Court. His Father had sent Him on this earthly mission and He had every right to do as He did.
I'm inclined to believe that this 'inquest' was not an entirely honest one, however. The way they cross-examined Jesus, they did not show much, if any, respect. They tried to discredit and shame Him and that in front of the people. Stir the people up to turn against Him, especially if they could raise the suspicion that He was a threat to the Romans. After all, Jesus claimed to be a king.
This would be directly threatening to any local king and definitely to the Roman Emperor, himself. A very serious offense. The people would suffer if the Romans got into the picture, and so would likely be counted on to avoid such confrontation when put to them. Maybe, this was what turned them from shouting "Hosanna!" to "Crucify Him!" in a week's interval of time.
They questioned Jesus about "these things" (verse 2). Likely, what right He had to clear out the Temple Court of the Gentiles in such a manner. This area was supposed to be kept for the Gentiles who wished to pray and worship the One True God. They couldn't do that very well with it being used for unholy purposes. Likely, some of the questioners were among those who had their stalls upended. Removing them, infuriated them. The financial loss on top of the public rebuke slapped on them about turning His Father's house of prayer into a marketplace would really have upset them, to put it mildly.
Who'd given Him the right and authority to take such dramatic action? Who'd made Him 'boss' to do "these things"?
Jesus, however, shoots a question right back at them; answering their question with a question.
By all accounts, this was a common form of questioning. Almost like a debate, I suppose. Question for question to try to trick and trap the one being targeted for investigation and put down. Their mode of questioning showed how hostile they were against Jesus. However, they had met Someone who was more than their match. Jesus used this 'question for question' style and makes things rather awkward for His questioners.
Jesus, the "outsider", a "nobody" in their eyes: He was not a priest, a teacher of the law and not even one of the elders. Who was this guy, anyway, and who did He think He was? Indirectly, they were telling the mesmerized-with-Jesus crowds, that Jesus had no right to do "those things"; He's just a "nobody".
So, Jesus, the "nobody" asks His question to the Sanhedrin "somebodies" and propels them into a tizzy. Their questioning had backfired. Look at their dilemma from verses 5 and 6,
"...if we say, 'From Heaven; He will ask, 'Why didn't you believe Him" But if we say, "of human origin,' all the people will stone us because they were persuaded that John (the Baptist) was a prophet." (NIV)
Jesus had asked what they believed about John the Baptist and his baptizing,
"was it from heaven or men".
So if they answer 'A' - then why didn't they believe?
If they answer 'B' - the people will stone them.
These were the religious leaders who were supposed to know God and His word and be able to answer tough questions. Yet, look at their quandary.
"If they answered "From Heaven," they'd be admitting that God had given Jesus the right to His ministry, the clearing the Temple Court, and to rebuking them and to be seen teaching in the Temple.
John the Baptist's role had been to prepare the way for Jesus' coming and pointed to Jesus as the One who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies; the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. Therefore, if they did not say John's message was from God, they'd face an angry mob's retaliation reaction.
Therefore, they say they cannot answer.
Jesus, therefore, says He also cannot answer them.
If they had answered Jesus' question, they would have gotten the answer to their own. Some of them may well have known it too.
When Jesus mentioned John the Baptist, whom the people accepted as being sent by God, He was clearly intimating His divine power and authority for Himself.
John the Baptist actually had authority and power but it was bestowed upon him by God. The difference between him and Jesus, was that Jesus' authority and power was, yes, from God, but Jesus is God, so it was, and still is, His innate, divine nature; His aseity. This is a distinction we need to make. It was one the Jewish leaders did not want to accept.
When we, nowadays, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we have this divine power and authority through the Holy Spirit. We have His dynamic power which can help us to transform our character and attitudes to be more like Jesus and do the things that please Him--our ongoing, progressive sanctification process.
The Sanhedrin's refusal to answer Jesus led Him to tell yet another parable. This one about Wicked Tenants and a Vineyard that was directly directed at them, but that can keep for another time.
May all of us followers of Jesus Christ know God's divine power and authority through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit working in our lives. Ask for God's transforming power to help you grow in your relationship with Him, and to lead a diligent, obedient life for Christ.
Why would the word 'relationship' be in green? "Grow your relationship...." 'Grow' reminds of things that can grow, obviously: grass, trees, flowers; which grow into some things of beauty, wonder and shelter.
We need our relationship with God to grow and be beautiful to Him and others. How do we get it to grow? It's by spending time in His presence, reading His Word, meditating upon it, thinking about it, and of course, obeying it; living an obedient life for Him. In such manner, He will teach you. Hang on to His words.
May each one of us know and understand this and build this relationship with God because, He will never let you down. My prayer is that one and all can understand this. God loves you so much. He wants you in His family. He's your Heavenly Father and He cares very much for You. Seek Him because you will find Him.
God and Heavenly Father, we look up to You and pray that whoever is reading this message, will have the ongoing understanding needed to realize the dynamic power of Your Holy Spirit within all followers of Jesus, through their salvation that they have had through Him, allowing Jesus to be King of their life.
May all hearts and minds be like a throne for our King Jesus, in our lives. May we bow down, humbly before Jesus. May there also be that relationship with You, their Heavenly Father and know, that whatever happens in our lives is actually for our good and You are doing it for our good and welfare; to help grow that relationship with You, come what may.
Lord, may we have Your understanding and wisdom to sit quietly to hear from You what You want each individual to know, especially about You and how You love them. Also to follow Your will and ways all the days of our lives; not just for various, selected points of time in our lives, but all the days of our lives.
Bless and keep one and all,
I ask all this in Jesus' precious Name, the One who has all power, authority and right to govern our lives.
~ERC August 2020~
Sing, Lead Me to Calvary (King of My Life) by Old Songs With Lyrics
Sing with the Cleveland Baptist Church Lead Me to Calvary
Lovely old pieces sung in lovely old fashion manner.
REFERENCES:
Google (www.gotquestions.org) and
SPM book, a Studyt Guide to the GOAPWL According to LUKE. Published by Issachar Sdn. Bhd.; copyright 2005; Malaysia.
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