Gospel in Art: Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things

Christ amongst the Doctors, by Orazio Borgianni, 1609 © Sotheby's London, 4 July 2012, lot 30, sold for £3.4 million

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 16 December 2024
Matthew 21:23-27

At that time: When Jesus 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?' 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. The 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?" But if we say, "From man", we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.' 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.'

Reflection on the painting

Authority can often be a contentious issue. Who possesses it? Who has the right to exercise it? How should it be used? In today's world, the word 'authority' often carries negative connotations. Authority figures frequently attract criticism, sometimes deservedly so. The question of authority is at the heart of today's Gospel reading. Jesus had just performed a dramatic, provocative act in the Temple in Jerusalem, driving out those buying and selling, overturning the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those selling doves. Naturally, the religious leaders, who saw themselves as the rightful authorities in the Temple, demanded to know by what authority Jesus had acted.

We know the answer to their question. Jesus acted with the authority of God. He regarded the Temple as the house of his Father, which gave him all the authority he needed to act as he did. This gospel passage serves as a reminder that, in matters of faith, the ultimate authority is Jesus himself. As followers of Christ, we are therefore called to submit our lives to him, recognising his divine authority above all else.

Our painting by Orazio Borgianni from 1609 is executed in the Caravaggesque manner, with the use of dramatic lighting. We see a young, beardless Jesus pointing his hands towards his heart and to Scripture. The scribes and chief priests are leaning in towards Jesus to hear what He has to say. But the face of each elder expresses either skepticism, confusion and unbelief. They are arranged in an arc encircling Christ. Christ stands as an oasis of calm in the centre of the skeptical turmoil around him. This painting conveys well the gentleness of the authority that Jesus had and with which he approached people. He didn't wield his authority coercively over others, nor did he shy away from a challenge. Therein lies the true exercise of authority: not to control people, but to engage and convert hearts.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-21-23-27-2024/