The King's Authority, Warning And Judgment - Matthew 21.23-46 Series

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?