“By what authority are You doing these things? Who gave You this authority?” This is from those who were charged to prepare the people so that when the Father determined the time was ripe and sent forth His redemption, they would be ready to receive Him who comes in the Name of the Lord. They had already turned on John the Forerunner, despite his obvious popularity and success. They had already decided that Jesus was not helping but hurting and had to be dealt with -- even if it meant innocent blood on the hands of the guilty. It may not be pretty but it was prudent, even expedient, that one die to preserve the way of life for the many. This was not God talking but unbelief. Jesus calls out unbelief wherever He finds it. Even worse than unbelief which owes the rejection, the Pharisees took the easy but damning way out. "We don't know." Those who ought to have known the Scriptures and that they testify of Jesus the messiah were now left to the lie that they did not know. They were not so uncertain about rejecting John the Baptist and tainting his work. They were not so uncertain about marking Jesus as a problem that had to be dealt with. But they could not even admit up front their rejection. "We just don't know." Jesus did know and still does know. Open your hearts to Him who already knows what He will find there.
Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s passion that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
1 Prepare the royal highway;
The King of kings is near!
Let ev’ry hill and valley
A level road appear!
Then greet the King of Glory
Foretold in sacred story: Refrain
ref Hosanna to the Lord,
For He fulfills God’s Word!
2 God’s people, see Him coming:
Your own eternal king!
Palm branches strew before Him!
Spread garments! Shout and sing!
God’s promise will not fail you!
No more shall doubt assail you! Refrain
3 Then fling the gates wide open
To greet your promised king!
Your king, yet ev’ry nation
Its tribute too should bring.
All lands, bow down before Him!
All nations, now adore Him! Refrain
4 His is no earthly kingdom;
It comes from heav’n above.
His rule is peace and freedom
And justice, truth, and love.
So let your praise be sounding
For kindness so abounding: Refrain
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