secrated by degrading traffic. As the story closes we see
Jesus standing in the center of the scene, on one hand the rulers plotting
against his life, and on his other the multitudes hanging admiringly upon
his words. Only too soon the rulers were to persuade the crowds to cry out
for his crucifixion, and we are reminded that religious feeling
unaccompanied by conviction may soon be chilled into indifference and
hate.

There were those, however, like the disciples, who never forgot this scene
of triumph. Its fuller meaning was appreciated in later years and as their
trust in Christ strengthened, they looked back with ever deeper emotions
upon the experiences of that memorable day; for it is true that religious
feeling is after all a natural and inevitable consequence of religious
faith.

B. The Question As To Authority. Ch. 20:1-8

1 And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the
people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon
him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders; 2 and they
spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou
these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he
answered and said unto them I also will ask you a question; and
tell me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? 5
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, From
heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him? 6 But if we shall
say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are
persuaded that John was a prophet. 7 And they answered, that they
knew not whence _it was_. 8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell
I you by what authority I do these things.

After his triumphal entry into the city, Jesus continued to be the popular
idol of the multitudes that thronged Jerusalem at the passover season. It
was this popularity which delayed the designs of the rulers, as they had
determined to put Jesus to death. They must first discredit him with the
people. With this in view they sent a deputation from their chief court,
the sanhedrin, to entrap Jesus in his talk or to bring him into conflict
with the Jewish or Roman rulers. They challenged him to state by what
authority he was receiving such honors as the Messiah, or driving the
traders from the Temple, or performing his miracles. Their question was
framed with subtle skill, "By what authority doest thou these things? or
who