Jesus 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?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
Matthew 21:23-27
Teaching the Truth
Daily Devotion – October 7, 2023
Devotion based on Matthew 21:23-27
See series: Devotions
Our Bible verses today record some of Jesus’ activity in Jerusalem a few days before he was crucified. He entered the temple courts and taught the people. He wanted everyone to know why he had come. His impending arrest, trial, and crucifixion was looming. But, in love for the people, he continued teaching the truth that all sinners need to learn, that he was their Savior who had come to sacrifice his life for their sin and rescue them from eternal death.
Not everyone believed him. The religious leaders challenged Jesus because they did not accept him as the Son of God. He lovingly warned them that without him they could not be saved from their sins.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem on that day to teach the people, he still enters our lives to teach us through his Word. The most important truth that Jesus wants us to learn and live by is that he is our Savior, who died for us to give us eternal life with God. He cleansed us from sin by his blood and overcame death by his resurrection.
Jesus teaches the truth of God’s love. You can count on him for forgiveness. You can rely on him for every need. You can place your hope in him for a life filled with God’s eternal blessings. He teaches you what’s really important. Are you listening?
Prayer:
Teach me, Jesus, that I may know you better as my Savior and follow you more closely as my Lord. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
