Then when they were back in Jerusalem once again, as they were walking through the Temple, the high priests, religion scholars, and leaders came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?”
Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I’ll present my credentials. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me.”
They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe John; if we say ‘humans,’ we’ll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they said.
Jesus replied, “Then I won’t answer your question either.”
Mark 11:27-33, The Message
This passage moves like a roller-coaster. Ground zero is the Temple in Jerusalem. So far, so good. After all, Jesus and the disciples have the right to be there. But, as usual, Mark wastes no time stoking anticipation. Ah-oh. Who come looking for trouble? The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders stride onto the scene. Based on our knowledge of previous encounters, it’s hard not to experience a twinge of suspicion. It was just earlier in chapter 11 that Jesus entered the city accompanied by Hosannas. And the same chapter records His cleansing of the temple. Both events had the leaders in a panic.
What do they want this time? Is this a show of force? Is it because these men are in the know and in positions of authority, that they feel entitled to move in and “demand.” They seem to think nothing of making others tremble and feel small. Here’s the acme of anxiety. Why does this feel like a traffic stop? Credentials?? What credentials do they want? But, if they are so clued in, why don’t they know who authorized Jesus to speak and act like this?
Ay, there’s the rub. It can be really irritating to have someone respond to your question with a question. Yet, it’s a brilliant strategy here. There’s even something chiastic about Jesus’ quiet response: If you answer my question, I’ll answer your question.
“About the baptism of John—who authorized it, heaven or humans? Tell me.”
The head honchos find themselves caught up short. In mid-stride, they “pulled back into a huddle and whispered.” Confronted by Ultimate Reality, bravado becomes attenuated. There’s no more swagger, and someone turns down the volume. The know-it-alls concede that they don’t know. Jesus quietly asserts that he is not going to answer their question either.
In the divinely sculpted space, hope, relief, and joyful insight arise.
The religious hierarchy has actually answered its own question, although the leaders are willingly blind to what is staring them in the face. Jesus’ ministry parallels that of John. His words and actions announce that the kingdom is here. He speaks with authority and acts in ways that are irrefutably not of this world.
So, why the hesitation? If heaven has authorized Jesus’ speech and actions, why not accept Him? Clearly, the Sanhedrin wasn’t looking for truth, but for control. It was to be their way, or the highway.
That’s where I begin to feel uneasy and a little less superior. Am I any more eager than the high priests, religion scholars and leaders to face Self-Sacrificing Love and worship in trembling and awe? How willing am I to cede total control of my life to the Spirit of God, so that my attitude will be like that of my Lord (Phil. 2:5-8)? Am I any less concerned than they about the opinion of others? When push comes to shove, whom do I serve?
“Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody” (Bob Dylan, 1979)
Not so long ago, I spoke some hurtful words to someone. I had to ask for forgiveness, and I suffered the pangs of regret for days until I did so. It is important, and difficult, to align words and deeds consistently. Jesus, the God-Man, did just that, because the Father authorized him to so speak and act. As we are moved by the Spirit, we, too, are empowered to be both humble and bold in speech and action. Thank God for amazing grace, and the divine invitation to serve without fear or favor.
Ruth Burke serves happily as an elder and Sabbath School teacher at La Sierra. She loves God’s Word that is always alive and life-giving.