Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 21:23-27

Authority is in question here. Specifically the source of authority is in question. People accepted the baptism of John the Baptist and many went after him and were baptized. Some Pharisees and the other leaders were also among the group of people who went to John for Baptism.

Jesus is also aware of the following of the people. When the leaders raised their questions on the source of authority of Jesus then Jesus wanted to know whether they were aware of the source of authority of John the Baptist. Indirectly Jesus affirms that the authority of John the Baptist was from God and so also his own.

அதிகாரம் ஆண்டவனிடமிருந்து என்பதுதான் இயேசுவின் மனநிலை. திருமுழுக்கு யோவானின் அதிகாரமும் இயேசுவின் அதிகாரமும் கடவுளிடமிருந்துதான் என்பது உறுதி.

GOSPEL READING :Jn 1:6-8,19-28

People were expecting a Messiah. People knew well how he would come and what he would do. He would be a king from the house of David of course. He would overthrow all injustice and rule over Israel. People were wonderstruck with the work he was doing. They almost thought that he was the expected one. But John was very clear and sure that he was not the one.

Was he Elijah? The Prophet Malachi declared that God would send Elijah the Prophet to prepare the people before the great and terrible day of the Lord. (4: 5). We know well that Elijah had purified the people on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19). He directed the people to believe in one true God. Later he was taken up to heaven. So it was believed that he would come back again and prepare the people. He denied that as well.

Was he a prophet? In Deuteronomy 18:15-18 God promised to raise a prophet Like Moses to lead the people. People expected someone to come and settle the mess that was in Israel and lead the people. He denied that as well. Like this there were many expectations. He accepted that he was only a voice that has come to prepare the way of the Lord. (Is 40: 1-8) “I am only a voice”: this is his humility and his true greatness.

மக்களின் எதிர்பார்ப்பு: மீட்பர், இறைவாக்கினர், எலியா. (மாலக்கி 4:5 1அரசர் 19 இனைச்சட்டம 18:15-18). திருமுழுக்கு யோவானின் பதில்: நான் ஒரு குரல் (எசாயா 40:1-8)