Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 15, 2025
- Dr. Kate Wiskus
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Date: Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Scripture Text: Â Matthew 21:23-27
When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and s
aid, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"
Jesus said to them in reply, "I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?"
They discussed this among themselves and said, "If we say 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet." So, they said to Jesus in reply, "We do not know."
He himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."
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 Breaking the text open – background and summary:
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus responds to his critics who question His authority to speak and act as He does. Jesus’ challenge to his critics underscores that His authority which is true and from His Heavenly Father, is greater than their which came from human efforts and positioning for power.
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Meditating on the text with personal questions:
Do I recognize Jesus’ authority as divine? Do I acknowledge how blessed I am to know Him and to be His follower?
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Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to dwell among us as our human brother and to share in our humanity in all ways except sin so that He might redeem us from our sins and reconcile us with yourself. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds, to tenderize our hearts, and to transform our souls so that we might be totally receptive to His words and seek follow His example daily. Grant that we may always and everywhere proclaim Him, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.