Divine Authority vs. Human Credentials: A Call to Discernment

Devotional

Day 1: True Authority Comes from God, Not Human Credentials

Jesus’ authority was questioned by the religious leaders, who demanded to know the source of His power and teaching. They were fixated on human credentials—degrees, training, and institutional approval—yet Jesus’ authority was rooted in His relationship with the Father, not in the approval of men. This same pattern was seen in John the Baptist, who also did not fit the mold of religious expectations, yet was clearly sent by God. The world often values outward qualifications, but God’s calling and anointing transcend human systems and expectations. [44:16]

Luke 20:1-8 (ESV)
One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to seek human approval or credentials over God’s calling and authority? How can you trust God’s voice above all others today?

Day 2: God Uses the Ordinary and the Outcast

God often chooses those whom the world overlooks—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, and even women with questionable reputations—to carry out His purposes. Jesus did not call the religious elite to be His disciples, but rather those who were willing, available, and humble. The anointing of God is not limited by social status, education, or background; it is given to those who are open to His call and willing to follow. [45:31]

Acts 4:13-14 (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking because they don’t fit your expectations of who God can use? How can you open your heart to see God’s calling in unexpected people today?

Day 3: The Motive Behind Our Questions Matters

The religious leaders questioned Jesus not out of a desire for truth, but to trap Him and justify their own actions. In contrast, Nicodemus came to Jesus with a sincere heart, seeking understanding, and received a life-changing answer. God welcomes honest questions asked in faith and humility, but He resists those who come with hidden agendas or hardened hearts. The difference between rebellion and revelation is often found in the motive behind our questions. [47:19]

John 3:1-3 (ESV)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Reflection: When you bring your questions to God, are you seeking truth or defending your own position? What is one honest question you can bring to Jesus today, trusting Him to answer?

Day 4: Recognizing God’s Anointing and Discernment

The general public recognized the anointing on Jesus and John, while the religious leaders missed it because of their pride and preconceived notions. As believers, we are called to discern God’s presence and anointing, not just in leaders but in everyday people and situations. The Holy Spirit within us enables us to recognize when God is at work, so we can join Him and not miss His movement in our midst. [59:04]

1 John 2:20, 27 (ESV)
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge… But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Reflection: Ask God to show you someone in your life who is anointed for His purposes. How can you encourage or support them today, recognizing God’s work in and through them?

Day 5: Are Your Actions from Heaven or Human Origin?

At the heart of Jesus’ challenge is a question for every believer: are your actions, not just your intentions or thoughts, truly from God or merely from human origin? It is easy to go through the motions of faith or to act out of habit, tradition, or self-interest, but God calls us to examine our hearts and motives. True revival and transformation begin when we allow the Holy Spirit to search us, lead us to repentance, and empower us to live holy lives that reflect Christ’s love and authority. [01:02:58]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Reflection: Take a moment to ask God honestly: Are my actions today from human origin or from heaven? What is one step I can take to align my actions with God’s will right now?

Sermon Summary

In Luke 20, Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders who question the source of His authority. Their inquiry is not born out of genuine curiosity, but rather from a place of threatened pride and a desire to trap Him. Jesus, in His wisdom, responds with a question about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing their hypocrisy and forcing them into a corner. The leaders, unwilling to answer truthfully for fear of the crowd and the implications for their own power, simply say, “We don’t know.” This moment reveals the deep contrast between human credentials and God-given authority.

Throughout history, God has chosen unlikely people—fishermen, zealots, tax collectors, and even those considered outcasts by society—to carry His message. The religious elite, with all their education and status, often missed the very presence of God standing before them. The same spirit that opposed Jesus has persisted through the ages, manifesting in persecution against those who stand for truth, from the early martyrs to the Reformers like Jan Huss and Wycliffe. Their stories remind us that the cost of upholding the gospel can be great, but the call to faithfulness remains.

The heart of the matter is not education or outward credentials, but the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit. The general public could recognize God’s hand on Jesus and John, even when the experts could not. Discernment is a gift for all believers, not just the learned. We are called to examine our own motives and actions: are they from human origin or from heaven? The challenge is to live lives so marked by the Spirit that others can say, “They have been with Jesus.” In a world still hostile to the truth, we must be ready to stand firm, relying not on our own wisdom, but on the Spirit who gives us words and courage.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s authority often confounds human expectations and credentials. Jesus and John the Baptist did not come through the established religious channels, yet their authority was undeniable because it was rooted in God’s calling, not human approval. This challenges us to value God’s anointing above worldly qualifications and to recognize that God delights in using the humble and the willing. [44:16]
2. The motive behind our questions and actions matters deeply to God. The religious leaders’ question was a trap, rooted in pride and self-preservation, while Nicodemus approached Jesus with genuine curiosity and faith. God honors honest seeking and is willing to reveal truth to those whose hearts are open, but He resists the proud and the manipulative. [47:19]
3. The spirit of opposition to God’s truth is persistent and often violent, as seen in the persecution of reformers and martyrs throughout history. This same spirit was present in the religious leaders who plotted against Jesus, and it continues to resist the gospel today. Recognizing this helps us understand the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and perseverance in the face of opposition. [50:39]
4. The Holy Spirit equips believers with wisdom and discernment that surpasses human intellect. When challenged, Jesus turned the tables on His accusers with Spirit-led wisdom, and the same Spirit is available to us. In moments of trial or questioning, we can trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words and insight we need, making us “unbeatable” in God’s purposes. [55:42]
5. True discernment recognizes God’s anointing, not just outward credentials. The general public could see God’s hand on Jesus and John, while the religious experts missed it. We are called to be people who can discern the Spirit’s work in others and in ourselves, ensuring that our actions are from heaven, not merely human origin. This requires humility, openness, and a willingness to be led by the Spirit daily. [59:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:53] - Jesus Questioned by Religious Leaders
[42:55] - John the Baptist’s Authority Challenged
[43:31] - Jesus’ Credentials and Authority
[44:16] - God’s Calling vs. Human Credentials
[45:31] - The Unlikely Disciples
[46:22] - Jesus and the Outcasts
[47:19] - Motives Behind the Questions
[48:28] - Nicodemus: Honest Seeking
[49:45] - The Spirit of Opposition Through History
[50:39] - Stories of Persecution and Faithfulness
[51:51] - The Reformers’ Legacy
[52:39] - Wycliffe and the Cost of Truth
[54:09] - The Gospel’s Cost and Our Call
[54:52] - Jesus Turns the Tables
[55:42] - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Us
[56:51] - The Religious Leaders’ Unbelief
[59:04] - Discerning God’s Anointing
[60:33] - What Has God Called Us to Be?
[62:58] - Are Your Actions from Heaven or Human Origin?
[64:02] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 20:1-8 (ESV) — 1 One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up
2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”
3 He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me,
4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?”
5 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
6 But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from.
8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Observation Questions

What question did the religious leaders ask Jesus, and what was their motive for asking it? ([47:19])
How did Jesus respond to the leaders’ question about His authority, and what effect did His response have on them? ([55:42])
According to the passage and sermon, what was unique about the backgrounds of Jesus’ disciples compared to the religious leaders? ([45:31])
How did the general public respond to John the Baptist and Jesus, compared to the religious experts? ([59:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to answer the leaders’ question with a question about John the Baptist’s authority? What was He exposing in their hearts? ([44:16])
The sermon mentions that God often chooses “unlikely” people to carry His message. Why might God do this, and what does it say about how He views human credentials? ([45:31])
The religious leaders refused to answer Jesus honestly because of fear and pride. What does this reveal about the dangers of valuing human approval over God’s truth? ([56:51])
The sermon draws a line from the opposition Jesus faced to the persecution of reformers and martyrs in history. What does this suggest about the ongoing cost of following Jesus? ([50:39])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to examine the motives behind our questions and actions. Think of a recent time you questioned someone’s authority or decision—was your motive honest curiosity, or something else? How can you check your motives in the future? ([47:19])
Jesus’ authority was recognized by ordinary people, not just the religious experts. Are there people in your life whose faith or calling you might overlook because they don’t have the “right” credentials? How can you be more open to seeing God’s anointing in unexpected places? ([59:04])
The pastor shared stories of reformers and martyrs who paid a high price for standing for truth. What is one area where you feel pressure to compromise your faith or values? What would it look like to stand firm, even if it costs you? ([50:39])
The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and courage beyond our own abilities. Can you recall a time when you felt the Spirit give you the right words or boldness in a difficult situation? How can you rely more on the Spirit’s help this week? ([55:42])
The sermon asks, “Are your actions from heaven or human origin?” Take a moment to reflect: Is there a specific area of your life where you sense you’re acting out of human ambition or pride rather than God’s leading? What step could you take to surrender that area to God? ([01:02:58])
The pastor mentioned that discernment is for all believers, not just the educated or experienced. What practical steps can you take to grow in discernment and recognize God’s work in your life and others’? ([59:04])
The religious leaders missed God’s presence because of their pride and self-interest. Is there a way pride or fear of losing something is keeping you from fully following Jesus? What would it look like to let go of that? ([56:51])

Sermon Clips

If you look at your next point, John the Baptist and Jesus were not educated through proper Sanhedrin channels. They didn't go through the same channels. They didn't sit at any Pharisees' feet, and they didn't learn all the things. You know, Jesus and John the Baptist didn't go through the same things scribes and Pharisees went through. It doesn't end here with Jesus if we turn to Acts chapter 4. I pray when they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men. They were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. He says, I pray when you leave here today, wherever you go for lunch, or when you go home, or whoever you meet this week, they would go, hey, they must have been with Jesus this week. [00:44:23] (57 seconds) #OrdinaryMenExtraordinaryFaith

Let's stop and think about this for a minute. You see, Jesus didn't call the scribes and Pharisees and the elders and the religious leaders of the day to be his disciples. Did you notice who he called? He called fishermen. You know why Jesus called fishermen? Because we're dumb enough to go out tomorrow if we don't catch anything today. You can't keep us down. We're thinking tomorrow they could be hungry. And he called fishermen. And he called zealots. Think about this. He called zealots and a tax collector to be his disciples. And the scribes and Pharisees were so upset because he didn't call them. [00:45:31] (43 seconds) #CalledFromTheMargins

The motive behind the question is important. See, the motive behind the question was totally crooked. It wasn't an honest question. They really didn't want to know where his authority came from. They were trying to trap him. They were trying to get Jesus so they could kill him and justify it. [00:47:19] (22 seconds) #SpiritOfCainAlive

And I want to compare it now. Go to the Gospel of John chapter 3. And in the Gospel of John chapter 3, Nicodemus, who was part of this group, came to Jesus, but he asked an honest answer. Now, there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. Look at the comparison of the two questions. Where'd you get your authority? And Nicodemus says, I know you're from God because nobody can do what you're doing if they weren't from God. And then Jesus was able to say, unless a man is born again, you can't inherit the kingdom of heaven. And Nicodemus had a hard time understanding it, but he had the right motive for his question. It's so important. I'm here to tell you that you can ask Jesus any question you want, and he will answer it if your motive is correct and if your heart is right and you have faith in your question. There's nothing too hard for him to answer. [00:47:41] (80 seconds) #UnyieldingFaithLegacy

There was a man named Jan Huss. I'll never forget learning about these guys. And he rebelled against the Roman church. And he went into scripture. And he held fast and true to the scripture. And they took him. And they arrested him. And they tried to make him recant. And they tried to make him go along with the traditions of men and the laws that men made up. Man -made religion. And he wouldn't do it. And he wouldn't yield. And so what they did to him is they took him and they burned him at the stake. Do you know what Huss means? Jan Huss. It means the goose. And if you've ever heard the phrase, your goose is cooked, they believe that's where it came from. But he wouldn't recant. He wouldn't back up. He wouldn't bow to them. But he held true to his faith. And when he died, he said, you may be killing me, but there's a swan coming. He was referring to Martin Luther. And when Martin Luther came and he nailed his thesis to the church doors, what did they do to him? They hunted him down and they tried to kill him. You have to see this spirit, church. It's alive in a well today. [00:51:16] (79 seconds) #SpiritUnbeatable

There was a man by the name of Wycliffe. Wycliffe was a brilliant man. He was fluent in Latin. He knew Hebrew. He knew Greek. And this is what he decided to do. He decided to translate the Bible into English so we could read it. And you know what? It was against the law. It was a crime to do it. And they hunted him. And they hunted him. And in the Inquisitions, he said that it was his goal that every man that put his hand to a plow could read this book. And they hunted him, and they chased him from one city to the next. And he hid out, and he was protected. And then they arrested him. And you know what they did with him? They burned him at the stake. That spirit's alive and well, church. [00:52:35] (59 seconds) #TrappedByTheirOwnTrap

``The gospel that we have been entrusted with has been sailed down to us on a sea of blood. And he said, you better uphold it. Are you ready to uphold it, church? Because we have no idea what lies ahead of us in these days to come. But I'm here to tell you today that that spirit is alive and well. But you know what spirit's in me is the Holy Spirit. And he won't back down. [00:53:59] (32 seconds) #FaithBlockedTruth

Look at your next point. Jesus turned the religious trappers into the trapped with one question. He said, you guys answer one question for me, and I'll tell you where I got my authority from. John's baptism. He goes back to John's baptism. He says, was it from heaven or from human origin? And then these smartest guys in the world who had studied, who knew the first five books of the Bible by heart, they were trapped. And you know what they said? I said, we don't know. Is there anybody in here that likes to be asked the question and you have to go, I don't know? And they said, we don't know. And I wrote in my notes, the Holy Spirit in Jesus was unbeatable. Guess what? The Holy Spirit in you is unbeatable. [00:55:03] (62 seconds) #ExcusesWithoutFaith

If you're led by the Spirit, my Bible says, when they put you on trial and they come against you, that you don't have to worry about what you're going to say. Because my Father in heaven says, we'll give you the words to speak by the power of the Holy Spirit. spirit in you i'm amazed at some of the answers i get sometimes because it's not me it's the spirit of god he turned the trappers into the trapped i want to be that wise i want to be wise like jesus when i'm questioned [00:56:05] (33 seconds) #DiscernGodsAnointing

You know what happens when you talk to people who have no faith in god and they don't believe boy they argue with you they come up with everything you know you know the bible's been translated so many times we can't trust it and i say hey you ever heard of the dead sea scrolls oh yeah yeah i say you know that's the oldest manuscript that they've ever found in the book of isaiah and do you know that they went through it and they translated it and they couldn't find anything in that scroll that would make them change your modern translation and when people don't have faith and they don't believe they'll just come up with excuse after excuse after excuse and you know what i do then i pray that the holy spirit will unleash on them and convict them of sin and of righteousness and of judgment so that the holy spirit will touch them and that they will come to faith because if they ask an honest question with the correct motive not like the scribes and pharisees god will answer them [00:57:31] (63 seconds) #AnointingBeyondDegrees

The scribes and pharisees were looking at god in the face in the flesh in jesus and they missed it they missed the anointing on jesus they missed the power of god they were looking at god himself in the flesh in the flesh and they missed it it's my prayer today that we learn to recognize when god is anointed a ministry a man a woman a child that's doing his will and doing his work [01:02:14] (42 seconds)

The last question today i want you just to be still i want you to think about this question the altar is open if you need to come up here and get right with god are your actions from human or heavenly origins when you leave this place today and you go out for lunch or you go home or you do whatever you're going to do have you taken time to say hey god am i in your will are my actions you noticed i didn't say your thoughts i didn't say you know your good intentions what are your actions when you act are they from human origin or are they from heaven [01:02:58] (52 seconds)

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