Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus
was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of
religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, "By what
authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do
them?"
"I'll tell you by what authority I
do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. "Did
John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer
me!"
They talked it over among themselves.
"If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe John. But
do we dare say it was merely human?" For they were afraid of what the
people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they
finally replied, "We don't know." And Jesus responded, "Then I
won't tell you by what authority I do these things."
Mark 11:27-33
Jesus had a way with words...and here He was challenging the very people that were challenging Him. Doesn't this just make you smile? It does me. Those foolish Chief Priests and scribes just didn't know when to stop—when to just listen to Jesus and try to comprehend who He really was! By what authority? What authority indeed! Jesus' authority was from God the Father Himself—likewise John's authority came from Heaven—but could those Jewish leaders see that? No. Were they afraid to believe? Were their eyes were blinded by their own righteousness. How often do we take on that same self-righteousness?
Yesterday I mentioned
the domestic violence murder of my sister and her family—which occurred 29
years ago. Her ex-husband, Ron, who did not believe in God, nor Jesus as the
Son of God and his Savior, doomed himself to hell when he committed the
murders and then shot himself. Do any of our sins condemn us to hell, too?
Is a sin—like murder—any worse than say the sin of ...coveting? NO. But as
children of God...believers...we confess our sins and are forgiven. Jesus has
the authority to forgive. Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior? Do you seek
His forgiveness? Advent is the perfect time to seek the Lord...to prepare your
heart to accept all that He has to offer. His love...His peace...His joy and
His forgiveness.
Like the Advent wreath—Jesus love is endless.
His joy is complete....and
His peace everlasting. He has the authority--above all.Prayer ~ Jesus, You are an awesome God--my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for my sins—my self-righteous thoughts and actions. During this Advent season, may You show me—as well as my family, friends, neighbors and associates—the way You would have me live to please You in all that I think, do and say. May You be glorified.
Daily Bible Reading: Romans 8-10
Only
16 Days Until Christmas
© 2019 Text and
photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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