Mark
gives little context for this conversation. The religious elite needed no prior
discussion to prompt them to pick a fight with Jesus. They were ready to fight
when Jesus came into the temple. There is behind a question in verse 28 a
pompous arrogance. Jesus was unschooled
by any recognized rabbi. He came as a teacher from outside of their
system. They rejected anyone and everyone who came from any system other than
their own. Without approved credentials they might say, "He can't be right
because he speaks of his own authority."
Jesus
tells them and also refused to tell them of His authority both in the same
moment. His question about John's baptism was connected to John's preparation
for His coming. This was Jesus’ way of saying John's baptism was from
heaven and so is my authority. Jesus was ready to answer their question about authority,
but only if they were honest enough to hear an honest answer. The answer of the
religious elite to Jesus’ counter question indicates the condition of their
hearts. Rather than explore the implication of John's baptism and Jesus’ authority,
they can only think about what is the safe answer to preserve their power.
Truth for them has taken a back seat to power. Meeting with God and
encountering God is less important than control. Face to face with the moment
of repentance they reject the opportunity. This is the unforgivable sin. At the
very gates of heaven, they have chosen hell.
Professing
that they did not know the answer was not enough. To say, “I don't know,” and to
be satisfied is dangerous to the point of being damnable. The only time “I
don't know” is the appropriate answer is when it is connected to “but I want to
learn”. Jesus knows their claimed ignorance is an excuse and a refusal to come
out of their darkness. He will not waste His time with such a person. He will
not cast His pearls before swine. When confronted with Jesus in the Scriptures
what do I do? Do I close my eyes, claim ignorance and stay in ignorance or do I
seek to surrender my life to Him?
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