Luke 20:8
Luke 20:8
And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
Have you ever tried witnessing to a religious fellow or even a backslider? If yes, what was your conclusion about their view of the gospel? It is easy to observe that they are not strangers to the gospel. In fact one would be amazed at how much of the message of salvation they know. After engaging them in conversation, however, one would realize they are not saved. Their knowledge might have earned them a position of authority in their place of worship but they do not know the Lord. They are oblivious to the truth and reject it when presented. They ask questions about issues they already know just to test your knowledge and stir up unnecessary arguments. By doing so, they ensnare you with your words and alter the truth in such a way that it cannot be accepted. The above description fits the supposed teachers and scribes during the time of Jesus. They were aware of the truth but had blinded themselves to accepting it because it didn't appeal to them. Whether we are witnessing or giving counsel, we must be careful in our answers to people like this. Jesus saw through their insincerity and did not give in to their deception. We should not allow ourselves to be dragged into arguing about the truth but rather let the wisdom of God flow through us and prevail over the matter.
John 2:25
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
John 3:14
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
John 8:23
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.