Mark 11:29-30
It
is often important to know a person’s motive for asking a question before you
try to answer it. Politicians know this one. They always have to second guess a
question before they try to answer it. They think about how their answer could
trap them into saying something they don’t want to say. The motive behind the
first question leads to the second, follow up question. And just like Colombo,
the last question is the one that catches the crook.
But
you might say, that if we always give an honest answer, you never have to worry
about getting ‘caught’ saying something you don’t mean. This would be true if
there were no second questions, or if all questions were single questions. Let
me give you an example.
The
boy is walking with the girl toward the steps. He stops her at the bottom of
the stairs and asks, “Do you want me to kiss you now, or at the top of the stairs?”
Or this one to a politician: “Are you having an affair, knowing that if you
deny it, everyone will believe you are lying.” No matter how you answer, you
get caught in the questioner’s trap.
Jesus
has been questioned about the authority He claims from those who hold earthly
authority in Jerusalem. We know they are trying to catch Him in saying
something that they can use against Him. We know this from their deliberations
that they have as they try to answer Jesus question to them.
That
is what is so fantastic about Jesus question to them. He drives right at the
heart. His authority is from God, just as John the Baptist’s authority was.
They didn’t listen to John, so they aren’t going to listen to Him.
They
are rebelling against God’s authority in their lives and in their roles in
society. They are not recognizing His authority. They act on their own, in
their own power and wisdom. They think they can do it without God’s help. They
probably rationalize it just like we do. We don’t want to bother God with these
little matters. He has so much to do. When something really big comes up, then
we will take it to Him.
One
final thing. Jesus combines the two questions into one question. He knows that
ultimately all authority is God’s authority. He gives us to us on loan. His
authority is Authority. Our authority, no matter the realm, is derivative.
Without Him, our authority doesn’t exist. So be careful to recognize His
authority over every area of life. People who don’t recognize authority here on
earth, don’t recognize God’s authority over their lives. They are in rebellion.