Jesus' encounter with the priests who question his authority occurred towards the end of his life. The question about Jesus' authority, however, came up in different forms during his public life. It is a question which can guide our meditations on Jesus and deepen our knowledge of him as the different events are presented to us throughout the liturgical year. The core of the answer is given in many ways during our Advent readings, particularly in the story of the Incarnation, where it is revealed to us that Jesus is the Son of God and God in himself.

The reading from Numbers on Balaam's prophecy indirectly repeats that affirmation for us. Balaam's words are an appreciation and hence a blessing for Israel. As a prophet he spoke in the name of God. God's greatest appreciation of Israel was the choice of them as the Chosen People, the carriers of the promise of a Messiah. Though they did not comprehend it or appreciate it, God's greatest blessing for Israel was Jesus: he was truly the man "whose eye is true", the one "who hears what God says", the one who "knows what the most high knows". His authority is God's truth, God's power and glory.