May 9

Mark 11:27-33 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Observation

Today’s passage describes the calloused and unrepentant heart and attitude of the Jewish leaders who continue to refuse to recognize Jesus as the son of God. They intended to trap Jesus with their clever question and gain support of the crowd to kill Jesus but instead they found themselves in a terribly embarrassing situation of being trapped in their own deception.

Application

The authority of Jesus is divine. It is futile to challenge His wisdom and ways. Instead of wasting my time and energy in questioning or trying to figure out why God put me in certain situations and circumstances, I need to acknowledge and trust that God always knows what’s best for me and give my best to glorify Him in everything I do.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that you are the true and ultimate authority of my life. Please help me to completely trust and obey you. Please keep my heart humble and pure before You so that you would be able to use me for your glory instead of my own selfish desire. In Jesus name, Amen.

--JL