“By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” That is the question the chief priests and elders ask Jesus. And it is a good question. Authority matters. We entrust people with authority over enormous parts of our lives. Parents have authority. Teachers have authority. Doctors have authority. Judges have […]

“Do not be afraid.” Jesus says it three times in this passage. And whenever Scripture repeats itself, we should probably pay attention. “Do not be afraid.” It sounds comforting. It belongs on a greeting card, perhaps, or embroidered on a pillow. But in this chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is not speaking to people whose […]