Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

— 23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The words of today’s Psalm speak of deep humility, a longing for more than answers, for relationship. “Teach me.” (Psalm 25:4) “Lead me.” (Psalm 25:5). These are the words of someone who is open to God’s will and trusts that God’s way is higher, gentler and truer.

Yet, in the gospel today, we find the opposite. The chief priests and elders approach Jesus not with openness but with suspicion. Not with a hunger for truth and encounter but with fear. They question Jesus, asking, “By what authority are you doing these things?” They are not genuinely searching for God or understanding. Moreover, it is a defence against the uncomfortable truth that God might be doing something new or unexpected outside their frameworks.

The contrast between these two texts is striking. One voice cries out to be taught, to be led into truth. The other demands credentials and resists transformation.

But here’s the grace: the psalmist’s prayer can become ours. Even when fear of the unknown creeps in, when we try to keep control, God does not withdraw. Jesus remains present, calm, steady, unshaken and inviting us still.

So, let us ask ourselves today: do we really want to know his ways?

Are we open to a Messiah who heals on the Sabbath, who eats with sinners, who weeps, who loves without permission? Are we ready to be led where we did not plan to go?

It is our choice. We can choose Jesus. We can choose to be taught, led and loved, again and again. We can choose to walk a path of surrender and follow the one who is not just the bearer of truth, but Truth itself. It’s a living invitation.