The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 21:23-27, “23 When He entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders
of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?’
24 Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I will also tell
you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?’ And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to
us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
26 “But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.”
27 And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither will
I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Did you ever have someone ask you a question, the answer to which was either already
known or simply had no answer at all? “Have you stopped drinking since you left the academy?” Such a question would surely have the intention of embarrassment; especially if the person were known as a “non-drinker.”

Jesus had a similar question posed to Him by the chief priests and elders. It was a question regarding authority; and asking it publically, it was their belief that He would either have to answer the question in front of the people or suffer embarrassment.

Jesus’ response was to ask a question of His accusers. “The baptism of John–” He had only to mention the name of John the Baptist to inflame their hearts with fear of a greater accusation: “The baptism of John (the Baptist) was from what source, from Heaven or
from men?”

His accusers could not answer the LORD Jesus’ question, except to say, “We do not
know.” Then Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

We still have quislings around. They love to embarras believers. Such, however, becomes
difficult, if not impossible, when we stay close to Him and live by His teachings.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom