Mark 11:27-33 Jesus’ Authority Questioned

They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.” They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The biggest charge against religious people is hypocrisy. This too was Jesus charge against Temple leaders. John was indeed the last prophet before the coming of Messiah in Jesus Christ. Yet they feared John, but did not fear enough the Son of God. For this reason, Jesus has declared that they will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In the church, we have the same concern. Are we religious for man’s sake and recognition or are we partakers in the person and work of Jesus? Only those who are identified with Jesus have a means for God’s forgiveness of sins. Apart from Jesus, there is no forgiveness.

Daily Prayer: Father, give us Your revelation concerning the importance of Jesus Christ. Let us not depend on our own goodness or work, but on Jesus’ alone. Father, if You don’t grant us wisdom, how else can it be found? Relieve us from ourselves I pray, in Jesus name Amen.