There’s an old story about the rabbi who always asked questions. “Why do you always ask questions?” the student asked “So, what’s wrong with a question?” was the answer. Jesus was much like the old rabbi. He knew how to turn a question on its head.
Mark’s Gospel tells us that on the second day, the chief priests, scribes, and elders demanded to know by what authority did Jesus do “these things?” Turning the question on its head, he asked about the baptism of John: did it come from heaven or was it of human origin? They argued with one another: If we say from heaven, they will ask why we did not believe; if we say of human origin, what will the crowd say?
What is clear from this story is that the temple leadership was more afraid of losing its power than anything else. Although we may not be in the same position this story asks us if we are often afraid of losing what we think we have.
Prayer for the Day
God of all worlds, we know we are too much a people of the flesh,
And live in slavery to our possessions and or fears;
We cannot see your eternal spirit and so look for representations.
Finding it difficult to dwell in your love, we look for substitutes.
Afraid to be in the world, we become a part of it.
Forgive us and reclaim us to be your servants,
As was he who was the greatest servant of all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish
Anne Bradstreet, first poet published in America (1612-1672)
Moral authority is earned, not given. This is why formal authorities are threatened by moral authorities without position.
Richie Norton, writer
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all God’s work is done in faithfulness,
God loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
Psalm 33: 4-5