The religious authorities approach Jesus and ask him, "By what authority do you do these things?" Their question comes from a place of institutional power. They want to know who gave Jesus credentials to teach - which rabbinic school instructed Jesus in the law. The religious authorities had control over the rabbinic schools and could thus sanction them if found wanting.
But Jesus turns the conversation to an entirely different plane in referencing John the Baptist: is the mission one from God or from humans? Now the religious authorities are on less certain ground, but provide an answer designed to preserve their institutional power so as not to lose popularity with either side. Jesus' question, however, is a serious one: how are we to know if a work is from God or merely from humans?
The work and ministry of John and Jesus were repentance and mercy. If a ministry brings us greater repentance before God and enables us to be more merciful to others in our words and deeds then this is a work of God. If the work does not accomplish these deeds then it is merely human and is mere self-interest. Advent is a continual journey of seeking repentance and mercy. a journey that takes us to the desert, to the manger, and wherever Jesus goes.
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