You Get What You Deserve?

The religious leaders had a clear strategy as Jesus returned to the temple: to fire a trick question which would either force him to commit blasphemy or prove him to be a public nuisance. It was fair enough for them to ask who gave him the authority for his radical actions and provocative words. Many others had been asking a similar question as they watched and listened to Jesus’ powerful deeds and words. They had come to various conclusions (Mark 1:22-24; 2:6-12; 3:22; 4:41; 6:2,3). Jesus discerned the intended trap and asked, in return, a question about John the Baptist. His questioners decided it was wisest not to enter the debate! They wanted neither to be personally challenged about their lack of belief nor to be ostracized by popular opinion. Many people today avoid serious thinking about important questions for these very same reasons.

It wasn’t that Jesus never wanted to discuss the nature and source of his authority. He was just discerning the questioner’s motives. When John the Baptist sent his disciples with a similar question, Jesus answered with a quote from Isaiah confirming that he was indeed the anointed one who would bring good news to the poor, blind, lame, deaf  (Matt. 11:2-5).  His life to this point had demonstrated the authenticity of this claim, and John went to his death knowing he had indeed prepared the way for the much-awaited Messiah.

In recent days, however, Jesus had begun to explain to his disciples, who had finally glimpsed his true identity, that his authority was not to be understood in traditional Messianic terms. Before the full extent of his authority–and ultimate victory and glory–would be revealed, the unthinkable must happen: Jesus would have to suffer and die. There was no way that Jesus could divulge that to these questioners.

Are there important faith questions and issues that you avoid thinking seriously about? Take one and search out a fair-minded authority on the subject. Prayerfully consider what you discover.