Please read the passage before the commentary.
“Who gave you this authority?” The chief priests and the elders of the people want to know. The king who had hired Balaam to curse Israel wants to know. Perhaps this question has been asked and is still asked in every generation. Why are you going about doing good to others; we want to know your authority for doing this.
Perhaps this represents the longing in every heart as we await the ultimate coming of God and righteousness in the world. Is what Jesus was doing the sign of this ultimate coming? If it is, have the rulers missed the boat? If it is not, how much longer do we have to wait?
A universal longing for salvation of the world is that we have a lasting and just peace, that we have enough food to eat and fresh drinking water, that we be pardoned for offensive things we have done. What kind of sign is being given is it that the one is coming or has come?
Balaam’s boss wanted to know; the elders of the people wanted to know; and we often have the same question. Only the authority of God will remain. Let the advent season, the season of waiting, the season of hoping, stir our hearts to continue the signs of Jesus in doing good to all peoples. How do you show where you got your authority for what you do?