BY WHAT AUTHORITY? / LUKE 20:2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 20:2

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

By What Authority?

When Jesus cleared the temple, He didn’t just disrupt a marketplace—He disrupted a monopoly.

In Luke 20:2, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confront Him with a sharp, defensive question: “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things, or who it is that gave you this authority?”

This confrontation didn’t happen in a vacuum. Just chapters earlier, Jesus looked over Jerusalem and wept. He then walked straight into the temple courts and began driving out those who were selling, declaring that God’s house of prayer had been turned into a “den of robbers” (Luke 19:45-46).

The religious elite were offended. They were angered. But beneath their theological posturing lay a deeper, uglier truth: they were protective of a status quo that served them, even if it failed God.

The Contrast of True Leadership

The tragedy of the religious leaders was their total blindness to true spiritual authority. They tolerated, participated in, and profited from ungodly practices within the very walls meant to reflect God’s holiness. Their immediate focus wasn’t, “Is what this man saying true?” Instead, it was, “Who gave Him permission to touch our system?” Their response proved just how unfit they were to lead God’s people.

In stark contrast, Jesus modeled true spiritual leadership:

It is anchored in truth: Jesus never sought permission from human institutions to do what was right. His authority came directly from the Father.
It acts for the good of others: While the leaders used their positions for leverage and profit, Jesus used His authority to teach, heal, and restore true worship.
It is willing to pay the price: True authority doesn’t protect itself at all costs. Jesus used His authority for the sake of truth and right, fully aware that it would ultimately cost Him His earthly life.

Examining Our Own Hearts

It is easy to look back at the chief priests and judge their blindness. But the question of authority is one we must all answer today.

When Jesus steps into the “temples” of our lives—our habits, our relationships, our finances, and our ambitions—and begins to flip tables, how do we respond? Do we demand to know by what authority He is disrupting our comfort? Or do we submit to the King who corrects us in love?

Jesus doesn’t just want a corner of our lives; He claims absolute authority over all of it. And unlike human leaders who abuse power, we can trust His authority completely because He proved His love for us on the cross.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have tried to rule our own lives, and for the moments we have questioned Your right to correct and guide us. Cleanse the temples of our hearts from anything that dishonors You.

Give us the courage to stand for truth and righteousness, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Help us to submit fully to Your leadership, trusting that Your authority is always exercised in perfect love and truth. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace