Daily Devotional for Tuesday 25th June
Who Do You Think You Are?
The authority of Jesus is a recurring theme in Mark’s Gospel. Whether it be amazement at the distinctive authority of His teaching (Mark 1:27); questioning of His authority over sin (Mark 2.10); evil spirits’ recognition that they are subject to Him (Mark 3: 11 and 5: 7); demonstration of His authority over natural events (Mark 4:41) and debilitating illness (Mark 5:28); or the delegation of authority to His disciples (Mark 6:7); we are continually challenged to decide who Jesus is.
In today’s passage some religious leaders, feeling undermined and threatened by His claims, push back. Their firm assumption that He is a charlatan makes them determined to see Him hauled up for blasphemy. They attempt to trap Him with their clever questioning. So what’s the source of His authority? What right does He have to cleanse the Temple? They question, but Jesus chooses those to whom He will ‘entrust himself’ (see John 2:24), because, for some, His openness will only produce animosity and greater darkness rather than increased clarity. For us there may be deeply sad occasions when we have to ‘shake the dust off your feet’ (Mark 6:11), conscious that there is no more to be said.
Instead, Jesus asks a question about John the Baptist (v 30). The question is intended to expose their hypocrisy and blindness. Perhaps even now they will search their consciences and see their duplicity. But their unwillingness to acknowledge their error combined with fear of how people will respond leaves them without an answer. In the end, Jesus’ authority stands, whether they accept it or not.
Time to reflect…
There are times when our thoughts, words, and actions can appear countercultural to those who don’t share our beliefs. Wealth, integrity, gender, and the sanctity of life are live issues. Reflect on what is our authority for expressing these views. Are they rooted in a faith grounded in God and not popular philosophy or social constructs?
Pause to pray…
The hymn ‘Name of all majesty’ has this phrase: Power and authority, splendour and dignity, bow to his mastery, Jesus is Lord!’
Make this your prayer today and pray it also for someone who is yet to believe in Jesus. Amen
