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 3:13
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Matthew 26:4
And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
John 7:28
Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.