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Leg 3 Day 86
“Authority of Jesus Questioned”
Jesus Through Us
Scripture:
MARK 11:27-33
MARK 11:27-33 (NIV)
They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
SEE ALSO:
MATTHEW 21:23-27; LUKE 20:1-8
Life Lessons from Jesus:
The religious leaders were always trying to trap Jesus by His words. This was an impossible effort on their part because Jesus is the Living Word and the Master Teacher. When they questioned Him, He often turned their questions back on them. Their attempt to trap Him would always become their own trap, over and over. This is the case in our reading today. The religious leaders wanted to know where Jesus got His authority. Jesus had them either way they answered. If they said, “Heaven,” then Jesus would ask them why they didn’t believe John. If they said, “human,” then the people would be angry because everyone believed John was a prophet. They couldn’t answer.
They were stuck between the fear of man and the fear of God. Jesus refused to answer their question because they were cowards, too afraid to admit their own wrongs even when they were pointed out to them so clearly.
The WAY:
Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:
Why do you think Jesus often responded to questions with questions of His own?
Who do you fear the most: God or the people of this world? Why?
Prayer:
Jesus, I believe You hold all authority and that You are who You say You are. Help me to listen to You and to obey Your word fully and faithfully. In Your name, Amen.