Heaven’s Authority

Today’s Gospel Text: 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 a 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 men? Answer me." 31 And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 32 But shall we say, 'From men'?" - they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real 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." Mark 11:27-33

Reflection: The above question by Jesus was addressed to the chief priests, scribes and elders and how well we would prefer to ignore it in our minds: “not meant for me”!

But nevertheless Jesus' question is an important question which we all need to grapple with: “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me."

If we do not grapple with this question and seek a message for ourselves then we could remain in our sins and rebelliousness toward God.  The chief priests, scribes and elders met the same fate and failed to come under the authority of Jesus; a authority that saves us.

Though simple to answer, it nevertheless throws up a relevant message, meant to be assimilated by each one of us:

If a message is from heaven then it is to be obeyed and if the message is from a man from heaven then all the more it is to be obeyed.

What Jesus has communicated to us in this question is particularly the significance of his own authority while communicating the authority of John the Baptist, who came speaking as the voice of God, as a prophet of God.

While John was a real prophet, speaking the voice of God or speaking on behalf of God Jesus on the other hand was God himself.

If John’s message was from heaven then he is to be believed and Jesus message all the more because he is from heaven.

Seeing the relevance of Jesus authoritative presence with us the Apostles proclaimed him everywhere and the letter to the Hebrew begins with the following salutation:

“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”  Heb 1:1-2

Jesus is the ultimate message of God to save the world.

Prayer: The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.  Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of thy judgments, O God. Ps 97: 6 & 8

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Kingdom Vulnerability

Today’s Gospel Text: Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John; 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Eli'jah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matt 11:11-15

Reflection: The Kingdom of heaven is not so invincible that men of violence cannot touch it or lay hold of it by force: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force." (vs. 12)

Its earthly presence is a humble docile presence in the hearts of men who have given their lives to serve God as with John the Baptist and the likes.

They too suffered violent persecutions from the people and by men in authority just as John the Baptist faced it, therefore the question was posed to the persecutors; to those in authority, by Jesus:

    

“The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" Matt 21:25

These violent men in authority knew that they were now caught in their own trap, because by now it seemed that the people have become defenders of the faith rather than the men in authority who are supposed to be the guardians of the sound doctrine.

These men of violence like most men of similar categories do not know the language of divine wisdom and hence the only way they seek their gain is through violence and subjugation; expecting men to be obedient to their whims and fancies. 

Though they ultimately do have their say and manage to achieve the subjugation of the kingdom through violence and make a gain, at least in their own eyes, but they fail to see the marvels of God's work which still continues to grow and spread.

It grows and spreads because it is the kingdom not of the earth but of heaven, a kingdom not perishable but an imperishable one, not a momentary one but a lasting one.

    

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, 1 Peter 1:3-6a

Prayer:  Lord, I believe in your great assurances, help me live the reality of your eternal kingdom, imperishable and undefiled, even in the midst of trials and persecutions. 

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us