Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 21:24, “But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I also will ask you one thing, and if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.'”

Background

When I was growing up, my dad used to tell us not to answer a question with a question. I’m not sure I ever knew the reasons behind this unwritten law, but I think it had something to do with respecting him and mom enough to answer them immediately without needing further information or qualifications. But whatever the reasons, it didn’t matter the situation. When they asked us a question, we were not to cross-examine them. Jesus, on the other hand, had perfect liberty to respond to questions as He so chose. In fact, my parents had every right to answer our questions of them with questions of their own. Sometimes that was the most prudent thing for them to do, to probe further to find out what might be lying beneath the surface of our request. And so it was when Jesus returned a question for a question from His interrogators. But in His case, He wasn’t searching for a possible ulterior motive, He was intent on exposing the ulterior motive that He already knew was there. And dare I say it, His questions to you and me are intended to do much the same to us.

Application

For we are good at reading His scripture or hearing a sermon and then coming up with some issues that need further explanation. We’ll ask about the how or the why or the when or the what-if. We’ll question whether He’s really talking to us, or if the command or instruction is still applicable today. The impression we give is that these last bits of information are all we need before we’ll roll up our sleeves and dive right in. But Jesus knows better, doesn’t He? You don’t get to be God without seeing through lame attempts to feign obedience or appear ready and willing. No, He’s not searching throughout the earth for the most-informed, best-prepared, least-encumbered believers to call to His side. He has rolled the invitation out to you and me. There is no room to question His request. And if you think that there is, then just know you have a motive problem. But know, too, that He’s more than willing to help with that. No questions asked.

Charge

As we seek Him today, try to make it through the day without having to know every how or why or when. Ask God to make your faith strong enough to trust Him for the unknown.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words