Jesus Will Not Be Trapped

 

 Mk 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.”

The conflict between Jesus and the chief priests accelerates but Jesus will not allow himself to be trapped. He stymies those who confront him but fuels the fire that will eventually lead to his death. However, his death will lead to the ultimate victory: his resurrection.

In today's world there are many who attempt to confront Jesus, to reduce the force of his teaching by selecting the "easy ones", or by ignoring and even rejecting the total message.  The chief priests toyed with him by their question but Jesus would not give them the satisfaction of an answer that could be used against him. The lesson: "Don't mess with Jesus." Instead of getting involved with useless arguments and conflicts, may we in humility and simplicity accept, relish and live the teachings of Jesus, who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, help me to accept and live your teachings, for you have the words of everlasting life. Amen.