23Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?"
-It would probably abnormal for someone who wasn't a teacher to teach in the temple courts. At least that would seem to make sense.
-This would be a good place to attack Jesus and his ministry. He was not accredited by anyone, no big teacher or name had trained him.
24Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
-Jesus answers a question with a question as he often does.
25John's baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?"They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
-John's ministry was similar to Jesus in that it came from nowhere. People knew that John was a prophet and there was no question of the authority and power by which he spoke.
-Ultimate authority in ministry comes from God.
-We need to remember that our power for ministry comes from God not by mans convention. Although training is a good thing.
26But if we say, 'From men'—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."
-The chief priests realize the dilemma of Jesus' question.
27So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
-Remember that God is the one that gives authority. Do not let others take you lightly just because you do not have a big name or university attached to your name. We have Christ attached to us giving us authority as we remain in him.
+He then goes on to tell the parable of the two sons that tells them that not only do they not have proper authority they are not even close to doing what God wants even though they appear to be.
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