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 from men? 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, 'From men'...." (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." -Mark 11:27-33*
We Christians often talk about antagonist characters in the Bible such as the chief priests and the teachers of the law as though somehow we might have acted differently given a chance to live and stand in front of Jesus Christ. We have little patience for the stories of those who had opportunity to stand in front of the Living God on earth, but were unable to get beyond themselves and recognize Jesus Christ as Redeemer of all.
I’d like to think I am in no way like the chief priests or teachers found in this passage of scripture. Truth be told, when Jesus Christ speaks truth into my life at times when I think I already have it all figured out, I resort to questioning His authority. I deny the Truth that can set me free.
In verse 33, Jesus’ reply to the chief priests and teachers is unsettling. Jesus basically says, “If you are not going to acknowledge the Truth, then I am not going to continue this discussion.” This passage is a great reminder to me that my continual spiritual formation requires me to acknowledge that Jesus Christ has the authority in all areas of my life.
Jon Beckman is the Church Lay Leader this year, and thus he also serves on the Finance Commission and just completed a term on the Staff/Parish Relations Committee.
How has God made a difference in your life? "He gave me to a good family and gave me good friends." -Bryan Peninger, 5th grade
*Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
