The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Luke 20:4

Jesus was spending a lot of time preaching at the Temple, which a lot of the religious leaders obviously didn’t like. They especially didn’t like it because people were actually listening to Jesus and they didn’t have any answer to rebuke him.

Finally they got the nerve to question Jesus authority. They asked him “By what authority are you preaching these things”? Instead of Jesus simply telling them that he is God in the flesh, he responded with another question to get them to think.

The question Jesus asked them was “ Is the act of baptism that John was performing from the authority of God or from himself?”

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Luke 20:5-6

The religious leaders comptemplated how to answer this question. It was obvious the religious leaders were more concerned about how they would appear towards other people than the truth. Its also obvious they were pretty convinced that John the Baptist was indeed a prophet otherwise they wouldn’t have hesitated with this answer

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. Luke 20:7-8

So the religious leaders, rather than give an honest answer and engage in a dialogue with Jesus, they decided to answer “We don’t know”. So Jesus seeing these guys were not going to have an honest and open discussion about this, decided just to end the conversation there

While we are seeking God, are we seeking him like the religious leaders or are we being open and honest? Are we more worried about what other people may think or are we actually seeking truth? God will answer based on your motives…

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return .Luke 19:11-12

The Parable of the Minas or Talents/Money is a parable that is still very applicable for us today. You see at that moment everyone expected Jesus to establish Gods Kingdom right there from Jerusalem. However Jesus was teaching them, he was going away and coming back to see what work they had accomplished

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13

Notice a couple things, Jesus calls himself the King in the parable and we as slaves. This is the proper understanding of the hierarchy of our Lord. The word Lord in the Bible means Master. If Jesus is your Lord then you are his slave and he is your Master

And Jesus says he’s leaving and then returning. When he comes back he wants to know what you did with your talent, so what is Jesus talking about? I believe Jesus is talking about the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is giving to us when you become Born Again. What are you doing with your gifts?

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. Luke 19:14

Jesus describes the majority of the world, they reject Christ.Why? Because they don’t want Jesus to rule over them. The Kingdom of God will have Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, if you reject the authority of Jesus you ultimately reject Heaven and demand Hell

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Luke 19:27

Notice how Jesus ends this parable, so much for the watered down Jesus portrayed in todays society. The fact is Jesus is returning, are you saved? For those of us that are saved, what are you doing with the talents you have been given?

Jesus is coming soon, Are you ready? Is your lamp full of oil (The Holy Spirit)?

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. Luke 19:2

Here we see another story of a man seeking Jesus. Notice this man was not only a tax collector for the Romans, he was the chief tax collector. This man was public enemy number 1 for Israel, so how did Jesus react to such a vile man?

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. Luke 19:5

Zaccheaeus was a short man but he was determined to see the Lord Jesus. So he climbed a tree to get a better view. When Jesus saw him in that tree, he didn’t rebuke him, he asked to come to his house!

The people were angry, “Who does Jesus think he is hanging out with chief sinners like Zacchaeus”? Remember Jesus didn’t come for the righteous he came to save the sinners!

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke 19:8

First notice it says Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully (Luke 19:6) Next look what Zacchaeus did , he gave back to anyone he cheated out of money and gave to the poor, in other words he repented

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:9-10

Jesus declared Zacchaus is now saved, he is no longer a Gentile but a Child of God. All because the grace and blood of Jesus Christ! Jesus came to save the lost Amen!