PRAYER

On this Holy Tuesday, open our minds to learn about the last week in Jesus' life. Help us to understand more deeply the road He traveled so that we can have a deeper appreciation for His sacrifice. Amen.

READING

Mark 11: 27-33

²⁷ Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. ²⁸ They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

²⁹ “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. ³⁰ “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

³¹ They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. ³² But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. ³³ So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

REFLECTION

In today's reading, we hear the religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. They ask a dishonest question because they are not interested in the answer but rather, are looking for an opportunity to discredit Jesus. In response to their question, Jesus asks one of His own. He asks them where John the Baptist's authority came from. It is not that Jesus is evading their question, but instead, suggests if they know the answer to His question, then they'll have the answer to theirs. John the Baptist was received as a prophet and if you believed in John, then you believed his message: Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus' question puts the religious leaders in a difficult spot. If they say John was given authority from heaven, then they acknowledge Jesus too has authority from heaven. If they reject John's authority then the Jews would turn against them and they'd lose their power. The leaders chose ignorance and answered "We don't know".

We can apply this Scripture to our lives today because many claim to be followers of Christ but do not always submit to His authority. Some rush decisions and choices without prayer, and in doing so, do not invite God to lead them. Some claim Jesus is Lord and yet, do not always commit their ways to God. There is a tension between what we know we should do and what we actually do. Sometimes the heart is willing but the mind weak. Consider what it means to submit to God's authority. Would our lives look any different? Ask God to show you one area in need of God's leading. Journey with God and see where it leads.

LENT CHECK IN

Consider going on a family drive. No destination, just journey. See where you end up.