Matthew 21-22

“By what authority are you doing these things?” (21:23). The religious leaders of Israel objected to the fact that Jesus spoke and behaved with spiritual authority. Jesus kicked out those buying and selling in the Temple as if he were in charge (21:12), and his parables of the kingdom made it clear that he had insight into God’s ways (ch 22). Refusing to be manipulated or sidetracked, Jesus reminded the leaders that all of humanity answered to God. “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (22:21). 

“Love the Lord your God … love your neighbor” (22:37-39). More than helpful proverbs, Jesus’ words are the commands of the One who holds the universe together.