One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from.
Trapped—the chief priests, the scribes and the elders were trapped by their pride. They could not, not would not, confess that their commitment to their ritualistic performance of the Law would not allow them to admit failure.
It is very interesting that their analysis was strictly pragmatic and that they found themselves between the Rock and a hard place. Their choice? Stupidity! And by the very men whose authority was supposedly based on a through knowledge of the Law. Stupidity is not a defense in the eyes of the Law.
LORD, what is the question You ask me to force me to face my pride? Do not allow me to claim stupidity; force me to acknowledge my failings.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 6
Mid-day: 119:129-136
Evening: Psalm 81
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