Day 63

Numbers 2:1–3:51; Mark 11:27–12:17; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 10:24-25

“BY WHAT AUTHORITY are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?” the ranking priests and teachers of the Mosaic law demanded of Jesus in our reading from Mark today (Mark 11:28).

The day before, Jesus had caused quite a commotion at the Temple when He threw over the tables of the money changers and obstructed merchants who sold animals for sacrifice. The keepers of the Temple and its customs were outraged at the purported vandalism, and Jesus would have probably been killed right then had they not been afraid of the people who were enamored with Jesus’ teachings and boldness.

Jesus’ response was typical —He cut through the noise and exposed the heart of the matter: “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question. . . . Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!” (Mark 11:29-30).

The religious leaders had no good answer for the question Jesus asked. If they said John the Baptist was from God, then Jesus would have exposed the fact that they denied John, which would have meant that they were denying God’s prophet. If they said John was clearly not from God, they would have to deal with the people, who clearly believed John was a prophetic voice. Jesus had a way of asking the right question —one that, if answered truthfully, would expose what was hidden.

It becomes really interesting when we imagine ourselves in the story. How many times have we asked the same questions of God in our thoughts, words, and deeds? How often have we invited God to guide our lives but then demanded, “Who gave you the right to do this?” with our actions?

When our thoughts, words, and deeds don’t align with the hidden places of our hearts, we face the same challenge Jesus presented to the religious leaders.

We were made to live true —like Jesus. True in thought, word, and deed. And wouldn’t it be an enormous relief if we could? What is stopping us? Give some thought to this today as you consider a life that is totally and completely true and Christlike.

WORSHIP:

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.