By What Authority - Matthew 21 - Proper 21A

By What Authority

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon Matthew 21:23-32; Philippians 2: 1-13; Psalm 25

Opening prayer

By what authority?

Jesus talks to these leaders about how they rejected John and his message where Jesus’s message is similar.  What change would happen to those heard John did not believe and hear Jesus and do not believe?

This is a debate between Jesus and the religious elite about where authority comes.  When I write and preach, I do so from the guidance of the Spirit. I have my faults and readily acknowledge that I am flawed like any person. 

Yet, when some do, they are motivated by money, power, or status that takes away from the truth that is God. Such is selfish desire instead of divine wisdom of the Spirit.

These people in authority ask Jesus what authority drives him. Jesus question back to the leaders leaves them without answers - a little speechless even.

Then, this parable, as well as the next couple in the weeks to come, are illustrations of this. 

Essentially, two kids were told to do work. One doesn’t and then changes mind and other says yeah and then doesn’t. Simple image but not just a simple message.

Then Jesus explains plainly that those who changed their minds are the ones who are on the path with God. Whereas, those who don’t or outright lie about it, they are not. Even more, these leaders, who are supposed to represent God in the lives of the people, these are being criticized for ignoring the plight of the people they are supposed to serve. 

Where have we heard this before?  This isn’t just a religious dogma or leadership thing because we see this in politics and business.

There are couple things, at least, in that assertion. There is a warning but also a path.

1. The people: whom these leaders consider to be lower class or just not worthy - “tax collectors and prostitutes” or throwaways and the excuses - those are the ones who actually get it. That is not the well-to-do who claim greatness or only talk about doing God’s work without manifesting that into action. 
2. They have established a pattern of empty words, lying, ego, exclusion and worse but that isn’t set in stone. It is not too late to turn from that attitude and way of being. 

Its more than just two ideas here.  For today, let’s look at these different perspectives.

Again this isn’t just about clergy or longstanding church institutions alone. 

There are people all around us, not just in leadership, but regular folks who think they don’t have time for unworthy people, homeless, ostracized or hurt. Even worse, they perpetuate in these exclusions through what they do and what is said.  Neglect is passive aggressive because we choose to ignore that which or whom needs our attention.

They have excuses lined up for why. Color of skin, gender, orientation, disability, clothes they wear, where they were born, or the religion they profess. Followed by, “I don’t have time” or “I don’t see them” or “their plight is not mine.” 

That is careless and mindless living. 

Really, it is just excuses for not doing the right thing or following the right path. They just might have to get a little dirty.  Shame.

They may have many blessings in their lives. (Great for them!) However, when we realistically only hoard them and don’t share the gifts given to us, we are not doing God’s work nor God’s will. 

I may say I am Christian and following the way of God, but does it stop at those words? I hope not.

People do need and want leadership that is good and responsible in our society; one that takes care of people, helps people and embraces our divine uniquenesses.  

Leadership and regular people have opportunities to do this in our everyday living, not just on Sunday in the pews. We have the capacity to listen to stories, to extend hands, to show compassion, and to be the face of God to someone who needs that now. 

That is the next part of this. 

If we find ourselves on a path like that, we don’t have to stay there. There is time, today and now, to change our path into something that aligns with divine work and will. 

For it is ego and our broken worldly expectations that keep us from living in the work and being with people that are our neighbors, whether a door down, across the city or even the other part of the world. 

When we remember these people as our neighbors, there is no need for judgment, prejudice, hate, fear and violence because we let God handle the judging. We let the blessings bestowed upon us show through in our interactions (words and actions).

We pray the psalm O Lord teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach and …steadfast love.” There it is again, steadfast love.

We learn these teachings why? By what authority?

That, Beloved, is what is meant for us and that, my friends, is the path of righteousness. Don’t just confess Jesus is Lord and stop there; we are to “work on [our] own salvation…”

“…look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.”

Roll up sleeves, help folks, extend smiles, extend grace or visit them in nursing homes, in jails, or wherever they are on life’s journey. For you know as well as I, that someone somewhere needs to know that God is here, and there are plenty of opportunities for us. 

We can be the face of that love and forgiveness when we let God’s love and forgiveness be us and our actions. Then you too can say by what authority you share that love and those blessings.

That Beloved is worth way more than empty words and mindless living because that is worth everything. 

Thanks be to God, Amen