One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

When we deal with people who are crafty, whose motives are not pure, we must be wise as Jesus demonstrates here. Crafty people try to poke and prod at us to get a reaction out of us. Why do they do this? To condemn us by comparison. So instead of responding as our feelings dictate to us, we must take a step back and think about a godly response that incorporates God’s plans.

Here, we find that Jesus did just that: He 1) heard their question and considered the motivation behind it, 2) thought about God’s plan for him in this world, and 3) responded in an “under control” manner to their deceitfulness by asking them another question. So let us look at what he was able to accomplish here: a) he diverted a direct confrontation with these leaders, b) he asked a question that pointed out the heart struggle they were really dealing with, and c) he was able to serve God for more time until his appointed day came to sacrifice himself on the cross for us all.

This is a wise and powerful response from Jesus, and it is no wonder that the people marveled at him. He does speak with authority!

So how do I, a sinner saved by grace, ever hope to be able to respond as Jesus did? The only way is to admit my utter need for his touch and reach out to him in prayer as I consider my response. Then his Spirit of Truth will fill me and I will be able to stand firm without reacting to the baiting traps of others.

Lord, thank you for the confidence to win in every battle with your Spirit who guides me, instructs me, and speaks through me! He is my secret weapon to combat the deceitful minds in the world!