The Temple leaders are flummoxed. For once, instead of having all the answers, they are at a loss for words. When they ask Jesus to account for his authority as God’s son, he in turn asks them to explain whom they believe John the Baptist to be. If they acknowledge John’s authority as coming from God, then they know Jesus will question them for failing to heed John’s message to change their hearts and lives. They don’t want to look stubborn or hard-hearted in the eyes of the people they lead. On the other hand, if they deny that John is a prophet, they run the risk of stirring the ire of the crowds of people who heeded John’s words and are now following the way of Jesus.

No matter how they answer, the Temple leaders know that their reputation, authority, and future as leaders are at stake. Because the chief priests and elders cannot imagine themselves outside of their role as experts and leaders on whom others are dependent, Jesus’ question is more than a true/false question. It’s a question about meaning, purpose, and authority.

What should they do?

What would you do in their situation?

From whence do you draw your identity and purpose? Do you see yourself only in relation to your profession or lack thereof? Are you most comfortable identifying who you are in accordance with your relationship to others—perhaps as the “responsible” older sibling, the aimless and mellow middle child, or the parent who can fix anything?

Amid the varying expectations and responsibilities placed upon us, our purpose and authority can be found in how we receive and respond to the love and grace poured into our lives through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

By whose authority will you live your life today?