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Book of Luke - Chapter 20 - Verse 2

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?

Meaning

When the religious leaders asked Jesus about the authority behind His actions, they were looking to challenge His legitimacy and power. In the context of this verse, Jesus had just cleansed the temple and performed other miracles, which threatened the established religious order. The religious leaders wanted to know who had given Jesus the authority to do these things, as they saw themselves as the ultimate authority in religious matters. By questioning Jesus in this way, they were trying to undermine His influence and control the narrative surrounding Him. However, Jesus' response to their question ultimately revealed His divine authority and power, as He was able to answer in a way that silenced His critics and highlighted His true identity. This verse serves as a reminder that Jesus' authority comes from God, and that He is the ultimate source of power and truth.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the religious leaders are questioning Jesus about the source of His authority to perform miracles and teach. The question of authority was crucial in the ancient Jewish context, where religious leaders were highly esteemed and their authority was based on their knowledge of the law and tradition. By asking Jesus about His authority, the religious leaders were challenging His position and trying to undermine His teachings. However, Jesus' authority did not come from any human source but from God Himself. In his response to the religious leaders, Jesus reveals that His power and authority are divine in nature, originating from His Father in Heaven. This interaction highlights the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's ultimate authority in all aspects of our lives, including our beliefs and actions.

American Standard Version

and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
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