Embracing Jesus' Divinity

Gospel Reflection for December 16, 2024

“When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?’ They discussed this among themselves and said, ‘If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.’ So they said to Jesus in reply, ‘We do not know.’ He himself said to them, ‘Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.’” (Mt. 21:23-27 NABRE)

A main theme of this Gospel passage is, of course, the teaching that Jesus is God and His authority derives from His Divinity. It is clear that as God, Jesus has the power to speak authoritatively. And as His children, we are called to submit to His Divine rule by following the commands and teachings he bestows on us.

However, another message which this passage communicates to us is the teaching that unless we believe in and accept Jesus’ Divinity and power as God, we will not grow in understanding regarding other truths. The chief priests and the elders did not accept Jesus’ authority, and as such, Jesus withheld unveiling further understanding for them.

Ultimately, if we are stubborn and refuse to listen to God in our lives, if we think that we know better and doubt His ways, we will remain hindered from attaining a deepened knowledge of the Truth. Only when we accept God’s Will, listen to Him, and embrace His teachings, will the Holy Spirit pull back the curtain and bestow us with understanding.

May we not be like the chief priest and the elders. Rather, may we embrace Jesus as God, trust Him, rely on Him, and look to Him for further understanding!