Matthew 21:1-46 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The vast multitudes who came to his baptism thereby professed faith in his teaching.

Hence the general expression, "All hold John as a prophet." The defeat of Herod's army in the war with Aretas, King of Arabia, was esteemed by the Jews a judgment for the death of John (Josephus, 'Ant.,' John 18:7 ).

2 . John ' s testimony therefore should be conclusive.

III. AS IT IS EVIDENT IN THE DISCOMFITURE OF HIS ENEMIES .

1 . They set up their authority against his.

(3) Their question, "Who gave thee this authority?" suggests that they were offended because he not only taught without their permission, but contravened their concession to the traffickers when he drove them out.

2 . He treated their presumption with contempt.