And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.”
They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From men’?” —they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet.
Answering Jesus, they *said, “We do not know.” And Jesus *said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mark 11:29-33
A management principle I have found helpful is ‘I only have authority, because I am under authority’. The scribes and elders were unwilling to accept Jesus, His teaching and the miracles. They were unbelieving and disobedient. When they confronted Jesus asking Him to reveal the authority He had… their own lack of authority was revealed. If only they had recognized the visitation of the Son of God! For them, it all started with John the Baptist, the one making straight and preparing the ways of the Lord. Their hearts were revealed at that time, long before this conversation.
How about me? Am I recognizing the working of God in the world today? Am I obedient?
God, I want to be about Your work and doing it in Your ways. I see You moving and answering prayer. In humility, let’s make our way through this day. I am asking for wisdom and godly counsel. Help me complete the projects I have today in a way that please You and honors others as well.
