By what authority doest thou these things?

In questioning the Lord’s authority, the chief priests and scribes were not genuinely seeking instruction; rather they attempted to undermine the Lord’s teaching, Luke 19. 47. In response the Lord questions them about the ministry of His forerunner, John, and tells a parable to illustrate His own authority and the consequences of rejecting Him.

The Lord does not avoid their question, but He answers indirectly. He goes back specifically to John’s baptism. The Lord asks whether that baptism was valid. Was it from heaven or from men? The spiritual leaders had rejected John’s call to repentance, yet the people regarded him as a prophet. To discredit John’s baptism would be to incur the wrath of the multitude. On the other hand, to acknowledge his ministry would condemn themselves. If they had believed John they would never have questioned the Lord’s authority. The Lord will not debate with those who are unrepentant and have deliberately rejected the light. They ‘could not tell’, v. 7; He would not tell, v. 8.

However, the Lord addresses the people (His questioners listening, v. 19), and by parable clearly states the basis of His authority and the dire consequences of flouting it.

The parable graphically illustrates God’s dealings with the nation of Israel. The vineyard speaks of the privileges the nation enjoyed: a ‘favoured nation status enjoyed by no other race. God, like the owner of the vineyard, looked for a return from the husbandmen. Despite repeated and gracious visitations, each servant is rejected - a disturbing commentary on Old Testament prophetic ministry. Last of all, the owner sends his son - the legitimate heir. The husbandmen recognize that he is in fact the heir, v. 14, but refuse to submit to his authority.

The parallel with the Lord’s experience scarcely needs commentary. He has all authority because He is the Son, and the consequences of refusing to submit to His claims are far-reaching. The Stone rejected by men has been exalted by God, and one day will fall in judgement on His rejecters, vv. 17, 18.

Let us gladly own His authority over our lives!