“And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?” (Luke 20:3-4 KJV).
In earlier passages, our Lord Jesus is confronted by the chief priests and leaders who demand to know by what authority He is doing miracles and teachings. Instead of answering them directly, our Lord turns the tables and answers them by asking a question about John’s baptism in these two succeeding verses. Such a masterclass in how He disarmed His legalistic accusers with heavenly wisdom. He disarmed the religious hypocrisy of the chief priests and scribes who challenged His authority because they relied on their own self-effort of righteousness. By asking them whether John's baptism was from "heaven or from men" (Luke 20:4), the Lord exposed their true motives. They weren't seeking truth; they were protecting their man-made religious systems.
When we walk in heavenly wisdom by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we rest in God’s grace. The Holy Spirit gives us "a mouth and wisdom" that our adversaries cannot negate or contradict. Our Lord Jesus didn't rely on human debate; He used God's wisdom to overcome the trickery of the Pharisees' and in our now - the trickery of present day religious enterprises and the enticements of the world. In Christ Jesus we have the Holy Spirit to lead us (Romans 8:14).
Most of all, we must remain in His love by yielding our lives to be loved by Him. Let nothing ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). We have the reassuring promise, as it is written: “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
1 comment:
Amen.
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