Cleansing the Temple
23
had spoken of Jesus as one whose shoe-latchet he was not worthy to
unloose.
Jesus laid the burden of decision upon them as to the true character
of John’s mission. “And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If
we shall say from Heaven, he will say, Why 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.” In their hearts they did not accept
the teachings of John. If they had done so they could not have rejected
Jesus, of whom John prophesied. But they had deceived the people
by assuming to believe in the ministry of John; and now they dared
not, in answer to the Saviour’s question, declare that John’s mission
was divine lest Jesus should demand their reason for not receiving the
prophet’s testimony concerning him. He might have said, If John was
from Heaven, so am I; my ministry and work is so closely connected
[30]
with his that they cannot be separated.
The people were listening with bated breath to hear what answer
the priests and rulers would make to the direct question of Jesus,
as to the baptism of John, whether it was from Heaven or of men.
They expected them to acknowledge that John was sent of God; but,
after conferring secretly among themselves, the priests decided to
be as wary as possible; “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.” Scribes, priests and rulers stood confused
and disappointed before the people, whose respect they had lost in a
great degree by their cowardice and indecision.
All these sayings and doings of Christ were important, and their in-
fluence was to be felt in an ever increasing degree after the crucifixion,
the resurrection and the ascension. Many of those who had anxiously
awaited the result of the questioning of Jesus, were finally to become
his disciples, first drawn towards him by his words on that eventful
day. The scene in the temple court was never to fade from their minds.
The contrast between the appearance of Jesus and the high priest, as
they talked together, was very marked. The mighty dignitary of the
temple was clothed in rich and gorgeous garments, with a glittering
tiara upon his head. His majestic bearing, and his hair and long flowing
beard silvered by age, gave him a strikingly venerable appearance,
calculated to inspire the people with profound awe.