Just Who Does Jesus Think He Is? (Matthew 21:23-32)

Class Outline:

Sunday September 28, 2025

 

Main Idea: Jesus is Lord and has all authority over everyone and everything and as a result, all believers are blessed to be able to follow the One forever righteous leader.

 

Application:

 

You take care of your charges by the authority of Christ, according to His way.

 

Everything you have authority or care over in this life is a blessing, no matter how much work or challenge it brings you, and you can do it superbly if you follow the One Authority over you.

 

MAT 21:23-32

 

The authority in Israel questions Jesus’ authority.

 

He knows that they cannot receive the answer.

 

They cannot receive God’s authority because they only wish to preserve their own.

 

The reference to the baptism of John centers on where John got his authority. Authority has a source and an object to exercise over.

 

Israel failed to keep the law so they could not recognize the Messiah.

 

They did not keep the law but kept a window dressing of it. If they did keep it then they would have been humbled by it (PSA 119:67-71; DEU 10:12-16; PSA 19:8).

 

When you put yourself under Christ’s authority, you take care of your charges as He bids you to - you set your heart to it and try.

 

What happens?

 

As with Israel, if they were willingly under the Mosaic Law, so with us under Christ, failure is not the end, but the beginning of learning and humility.

 

Parable of the Two Sons:

 

The parable depicts the offer of the kingdom and the repentance of “the untouchables” due to John’s ministry.

 

John’s ministry (MAT 3:1-12): to believe in John was to believe in Christ (JOH 3:26-27; JOH 4:1-3).

 

John cared properly for his charge (Israel) while the leaders did not.

 

The leaders are like the first son who did not actually care for the vineyard.

 

Israel is the vineyard (ISA 5:1; JER 12:10).

 

The TCs and harlots repented and went under the law, which is what the leaders taught and condemned them for not doing.

 

These groups the leadership condemned and separated from, but the Lord makes the drastic statement that not only will they enter, but before you (in your place; or, if you do enter, leading you).

 

The result of acknowledging authority is obedience to the will of the Sovereign and caring for His vineyard (first son).

 

Jesus claims all authority over Israel.

 

Prophecy (Psa 2; PSA 110:1-4; PSA 110:1-4; ISA 9:6; JER 23:5-6; DAN 7:13-14)

 

In the church, the Lord has made Himself your Master while keeping you eternally in Him (new to the church age).

 

Now without fear you can follow the Lord who cannot fail, is always righteous - you never lack for a perfect leader, Lord, High Priest (this is new).

 

Blessings of having the authority of Christ:

 

Guidance, purpose, fruit (love, joy, peace), relationship(s), fulfillment, hope, wisdom.

 

Charges: spouses, children, family, church members (fellow priests), if you have a position in church, witness (struggling believers, unbelievers);

your own life; heart, soul, mind, spirit, body.

 

What is Christ’s charge concerning them all? Where would you find that charge?

 

You and I are stewards of all that Christ has given us by His authority.

 

People, the world, and the devil (using people and circumstances) will attempt to influence, so as to assume authority over you. 

 

You must stand firm.