Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.’ They argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “Of human origin”?’—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’ Mark 11:27-33
The religious rulers of the day were obviously threatened by Jesus and were also afraid of the crowds around them. They were desperate to catch Jesus in a lie and show that he was a charlatan and a poser. They did not want to believe that this scruffy country boy was the son of God. Jesus often claimed his connection to the Creator, to all people and the whole earth. This annoyed the religious leaders to no end. He seemed to have power and humility. Some were jealous, yet all new that he was someone amazing, full of compassion and kindness. Yet his willingness to be with the poor, the outcast and the sinners made the terribly uncomfortable. May we not fear those uncomfortable places as Jesus might truly be near.
Marvelous Creator, you walk with us daily
modeling for us a life of deep grace
teaching us compassion for those suffering.
Lord Jesus, you suffered on the cross for us
offering yourself a sacrifice for all people
living in the humblest and darkest places.
Be with us Lord as we walk this Holy Week
let us feel your presence with us in every breath
and help us seek your face in the darkest times. Amen.
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