(RSV) And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. Matthew 21:23-24

Traditionally, the first few days of Passion Week see Jesus returning to Jerusalem and the Temple from Bethany where His friends are found. According to Matthew, the following few chapters of parables come from the Jewish leaders questioning Him in this setting. I find the parables which follow this account very harsh and critical. But if one reflects upon them a bit more deeply, you will find they are circumscribed with love. The first one finds the Jewish leaders questioning Jesus’ authority. Superficially, it looks like Jesus is angry and critical of them. It is like He wants to create a rift between them and those who follow Him. But when you place yourself in a similar situation as Jesus found himself, you sense His love for these leaders and His desire that they follow the Truth. Let me explain.

What happens to discussion when you find yourself confronted with someone asking or saying, “God says”? So often it ends the discussion. The listeners turn off as no one can out argue God. They realize that whatever they say will not be heard because the one who claims God’s authority does not want to hear their side of the story. In this passage, Jesus did not claim the authority of Father God in His response to them. He could have rightfully done so. But why did He not? I think He did not claim that authority out of love and respect for them - the leaders. He wanted to hear them out, show their faulty conclusions, soften their hearts, and see them correct their ways.... And I do believe it worked because John, in his gospel, states that many of these leaders followed Jesus secretly.

In the heat of discussion, Jesus did not get angry and claim His righteousness hence cutting off discussion and questions. Instead, He remained in the tense, uncomfortable confrontation and shared Truth. This is hard, but this shows love.

I remember a time during a Family Medicine residency seminar where two of us were sharing spiritual concepts to some 20 residents. Half way through the seminar, some 5 residents took offense to us sharing spiritual things and became angry, condemning us, and claiming we were “ shoving religion down their throats as opposed to science”. We had a choice. We could respond back with accusations or share Truths about what they were claiming. I remember us pointing out fallacies and that their claims were coming from a belief base as well as opposed to “science”. After it was over, I realized how uncomfortable and tense the atmosphere in the room had been. But, also, I remember sensing God’s protective comfort in what we had done. It came from God’s love motivating my heart for these troubled residents.

That is what I feel Jesus was doing with the Jewish leaders of His day. It is in this context that the parables recorded for us in Matthew should be viewed. Truth can sting and be critical, but it can be done in love. And many leaders responded to His words, even if secretly. May our efforts during that seminar produce spiritual seekers as well, even if secretly. And may that hold true for everyone of us during those times we find ourselves in conflict.