Mark 11:31-33

Passage

The chief priests talk amongst themselves before answering Jesus.  They know that if they tell Jesus that John’s baptism was from heaven, then Jesus will ask why they did not believe him.  They also know that if they say John’s baptism was from mankind, then they will become unpopular with the crowd that liked John the Baptizer.  Because there was no answer that Jesus could not use against them, they said, “We don’t know.”  Jesus replied that if they were not willing to answer His question, then He will not answer theirs.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The chief priests decide to think through Jesus’ question.  Here is their first mistake.  There is nothing wrong with combining logic and reason with faith.  But at some point, faith is beyond logic and reason.  Faith is hope in that which we cannot know or cannot see.  If we cannot know or see something, sometimes we simply have to “feel” it out spiritually. The chief priests do not consider what they spiritually discern; they only consider what they know.

Why is it important to remember that faith extends beyond the realm of reason and logic?  When is it appropriate to turn to reason and logic?  When should we not?

Second Thought:

When it comes to the chief priests, we can actually see that this never was an issue of faith for them.  They did not come to Jesus seeking; they came to Jesus to trap Him.  When they consider Jesus’ question, they only consider the results.  They are willing to say whatever paints them into the best of situations.  Faith does not act that way.  Faith stands up for what is true regardless of results.  Faith stands up for truth regardless of the fallout.  Popular opinion and faith are hardly ever synonyms.  We are to be faithful first and deal with the consequences of being faithful.  We are not to allow the consequences to determine our faith.

What happens when we look to consequences and allow consequences to determine our faith? 

Third Thought:

The chief priests take the easy way out.  They know that Jesus can use either answer to defeat them.  So they don’t give Him the chance.  This shows what a closed mind looks like.  When a person is corned by truth, the closed mind shuts down and refuses to engage any more.  The closed mind does not desire to change.  The closed mind does not desire to seek a new place or think along a new line of thought.  Rather than admit it is wrong and seek the change God intends, the closed mind gives up and goes home.  The closed mind seldom discovers truth.

Why are some people closed minded when it comes to truth?  What is so scary about having an open mind?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:1-8