2025.08.24 Sermon Notes. The King’s Authority, Warning, and Judgment
Matthew 21:23–46 (Part 2)
William Akehurst, HSWC
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BIG IDEA: JESUS, the rightful King, exposes hypocrisy, calls for repentance, and warns of judgment for those who reject Him.
Scriptures: Matthew 21:23-46, James 1:22, Psalm 118:22-23, Zechariah 9:9, Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:23, Isaiah 5:7, Hebrews 11:6
KEY WORD - AUTHORITY.
It’s something we either respect - or resist. From childhood, we test it. From adolescence, we question it. Even as adults, we try to negotiate around it. But authority is not just about control - it’s about rightful position.
Today’s Word Matthew 21:23-46
KEY VERSE (Matthew 21:23, NKJV)
“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?’”
JESUS is confronted about His authority.
The religious leaders demand, “By what authority are You doing these things?” POINT: They weren’t seeking truth - they were protecting their position.
A dramatic sequence follows the question.
1. The King’s Authority – questioned by man but never diminished.
2. The King’s Warning - calling us to real repentance, not hypocritical empty religion.
3. The King’s Judgment - revealing what happens when we reject God’s Son.
1. THE KING’S AUTHORITY – QUESTIONED (21:23–27)
JESUS’ Authority Questioned (Mark 11:27–33; Luke 20:1–8)
23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”
24 But JESUS answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John-where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered JESUS and said, “We do not know.”
And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Context: JESUS has just cleansed the temple, overturned tables, and healed the blind and lame. Now, the chief priests and elders confront Him.
“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?’” (Matthew 21:23)
They wanted credentials - some official document proving His right to act.
JESUS’ Response:
He doesn’t answer directly. Instead, He asks about John the Baptist’s authority - was it from heaven or from men? They refuse to answer because they fear the crowd and fear the truth.
KEY TRUTH:
JESUS’ authority is not granted by men - it is recognized by those humble enough to receive Him.
APPLICATION:
• Am I genuinely seeking God’s truth - or just protecting my own agenda?
• JESUS’ authority doesn’t depend on my agreement; it demands my submission.
2. THE KING’S WARNING – PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS (21:28–32)
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.”
JESUS said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
JESUS tells a story:
• First son - says “No” but later repents and obeys.
• Second son - says “Yes” but never follows through.
MEANING:
Tax collectors and prostitutes - despised by society - believed John’s message, repented, and entered God’s kingdom. But the religious elite gave lip service to God without obedience.
KEY TRUTH:
James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
APPLICATION:
• Am I a “Yes, Lord” person in words only?
• Does my life match my confession?
• Repentance is not about what you said yesterday - it’s about what you do today.
3. THE KING’S JUDGMENT – PARABLE OF THE WICKED TENANTS (21:33–46)
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20:9–19)
33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. 34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. 35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.
37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”
41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”
42 JESUS said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’?
43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.
JESUS tells another parable - a vineyard owner sends servants to collect fruit:
• The tenants beat, stone, and kill them (the prophets).
• Finally, he sends his son - they kill him too (a picture of JESUS’ own death).
Then JESUS quotes:
Psalm 118:22–23 “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
MEANING:
Israel’s leaders rejected God’s messengers and now His Son. The kingdom will be given to those who will produce fruit - faithful Jews and believing Gentiles.
TRUTH:
Rejecting God’s Son brings judgment. God’s kingdom will move forward with or without us.
APPLICATION:
• Have I rejected God’s messengers or resisted His Word?
• God’s kingdom will advance - with or without me.
• My calling is not just to belong to the vineyard, but to bear fruit in it.
THEMES & CROSS-REFERENCES
• Prophecy Fulfilled:
Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Isaiah 56:7 “Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Jeremiah 7:23 “But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’”
• Fruitfulness Expected:
Isaiah 5:7 “For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.”
• Faith Required:
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
• Heart over Appearance: God looks for repentance, not performance.
• Judgment is Certain: Rejecting Christ has eternal consequences.
BIG IDEA RESTATED
JESUS, the rightful King, exposes hypocrisy, calls for repentance, and warns of judgment for those who reject Him.
SELF EXAMINATION
1. Why do you think the crowds went from shouting “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him” within days?
2. What “tables” might JESUS want to overturn in your life?
3. How can we guard against being like the fig tree - all leaves, no fruit?
4. In what ways does the Parable of the Wicked Tenants challenge your stewardship of God’s gifts?
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The question that began this passage - “By what authority…?” - still matters today.
• The King’s authority demands our surrender.
• The King’s warning calls for repentance.
• The King’s judgment reminds us that fruitless religion leads to loss.
Don’t just say, “Yes, Lord.” Live it.
Don’t reject Cornerstone - build your life on Him
PRAYER
Lord JESUS, You are the promised King, the Cornerstone, and the Lord of all. Forgive us for the times we’ve honored You with our lips but not our lives. Cleanse the temple of our hearts. Teach us to live fruitful, faith-filled lives that glorify You. Amen.
Be blessed and Be a Blessing,
Bill
Hymns
#43 Tell me the story of JESUS (Fanny Crosby)
#211 “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home” (or “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You”)
#122 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
#494 Tell me the stories of JESUS (parker)
#111 “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
#164 “The Church’s One Foundation”
