Cannot Trap Jesus

 

 Mark 11:27-33

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

²⁷ 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. ²⁸ “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”

²⁹ Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ³⁰ John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

³¹ They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ ³² But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)

³³ So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

This passage comes later in the ministry of Jesus when his dual with the priests, scribes and elders was accelerating.  He again stands his ground and leaves them speechless. Today, we celebrate St. Charles Lwanga and his companions who suffered martyrdom in Uganda in 1886's; who, like Jesus, stood their ground for their faith against the brutal tribal king, Mwanga. Although these confrontations happened from the time of Jesus through the centuries to the present, we must hold to the truth and not let clever arguments knock us off course. We are called to follow Jesus, no one else.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, may I never waver in my faith and desire to follow and serve you, even when it seems "the enemy" surrounds me. Amen.