Main Text: Matthew 21:23-27 (ESV) 23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Preaching Point: Jesus’ tactic for exposing counterfeits should embolden us to use similar tactics to engage those who appear genuine yet lack the sincerity to follow Jesus.

Teaching Points:

1. Probe for Genuineness (vv. 23-25a)
2. Expose Intent (vv. 25b-27a)
3. Refuse to Answer Insincere Questions (v. 27b)

Application Questions:

1. Why did the religious leaders confront Jesus at the temple in Matthew 21:23-27 on the subject of authority?
2. What did the religious leaders’ answer to Jesus' question reveal about their intent?
3. Why did Jesus refuse to answer their questions?
4. Read Matthew 21:23-25a and Proverbs 14:15. Why is assuming that every spiritual question is sincere unwise? Where have you seen this play out in real conversations?
5. How can you grow in your ability to probe for genuineness as you talk to others about Jesus?
6. Read Proverbs 20:5 and Matthew 21: 25b-27a. What are some of the potential benefits (for you and for them) of exposing someone’s intent before answering their questions?
7. What would exposing someone’s intent, as Jesus did, look like today? What would be a sinful or unhelpful way to expose someone’s intent?
8. Read Proverbs 26:4, Proverbs 23:9, and Matthew 21:27b. Like Jesus, why should Christian’s refuse (for the most part) to answer insincere questions?
9. What are the dangers of continuing a conversation with someone who refuses to deal honestly with the truth?