Did you know that the events of Holy Tuesday often reveal challenges to our faith today?
On Holy Tuesday, we witness a pivotal turning point, illustrating the ongoing tension between human institutions and God’s authority. Jesus faced direct challenges from the religious leaders. They questioned His authority and tried to trap Him with accusations and tricky questions.
Jesus’ Authority Questioned – Mark 11:27-33
The religious leaders were upset because Jesus had cleared the Temple the day before. They saw themselves as the official gatekeepers of religious practice, yet Jesus acted with an authority they hadn’t granted.
So they approach Him with a pressing question: “By what authority are you doing these things?”
Their question wasn’t honest curiosity but an attempt to discredit Jesus publicly. Yet He responded to their question with one of His own.
‘I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,’ Jesus replied. ‘Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Tell me!’
They talked it over among themselves. ‘If we say it was from heaven, He will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?’ They feared what the people would do because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, ‘We don’t know.’
And Jesus responded, ‘Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things’” – Mark 11:29-33.
This response exemplifies how Jesus dealt with those more interested in human rules and guidelines than the authority of God and His mission.
Rather than giving these religious leaders the answer they wanted, Jesus responded with a question about John the Baptist’s authority, which they refused to answer because of their fear of the public.
Jesus uses this moment to highlight their unwillingness to recognize the truth when it stands before them.
The Parable of the Evil Farmers – Mark 12:1-12
Following this confrontation, Jesus shares the Parable of the Evil Farmers, which delivers a severe warning. In this story, the landowner sends servants to collect his share of the harvest, but the tenants beat them and send them away empty-handed.
Finally, he sends his beloved son, thinking, “They will respect my son.” Instead, they kill him, hoping to take his inheritance.
Jesus was clearly pointing to how Israel’s leaders had rejected God’s prophets throughout history and how they would soon reject Him, God’s own Son. The religious leaders understood this.
They knew Jesus had spoken the parable against them” – Mark 12:12.
This parable reminds us that God entrusts us with responsibilities, not ownership. The vineyard belongs to God, not us. When we forget this, we can fall into the same trap as the evil farmers, rejecting God’s messengers because they threaten our sense of control.
Modern Examples of Challenging Authority:
1. Social Media Influences
Many Christians look to social media for spiritual guidance, searching for sayings or memes that support their worldview. However, it is essential to discern what voices we listen to.
Are we allowing influencers, frequently swayed by popularity rather than scriptural truth, to shape our beliefs? Jesus’ authority reminds us to follow biblical teachings, not just the latest trends.
2. Control Issues
The truth is some will always feel threatened when the church celebrates new ministries and expressions of faith. The issue often becomes about personal preferences rather than the fruitfulness of ministry.
If not correctly checked, these control issues can lead to power struggles. Ministry leaders can address these disagreements by acknowledging the need for humility and openness to God’s direction.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, often faced questions about his authority when he preached in fields and formed small groups for spiritual growth outside traditional church structures. The established Church of England questioned his methods. Still, Wesley recognized a higher authority in Scripture and God’s transforming work in people’s lives.
3. Finding Strength in Faith
We can take key insights from Holy Tuesday to navigate our spiritual journeys. Amid challenges to authority, remember:
– Ground Yourself in Scripture: Regularly engage with the Bible for guidance and wisdom amidst conflicting opinions.
– Seek Counsel from Trusted Leaders: Connect with your pastoral leadership and community for support and encouragement in your faith journey.
– Engage in Honest Prayer: Approach God with your doubts and fears, for He welcomes your questions and desires to guide you through uncertainty.
As we embrace these principles, we realize that spiritual growth often arises from challenges—similar to the tension that Jesus navigated on Holy Tuesday. While His authority was questioned, He did not waver; instead, Jesus exemplified strength and confidence in God’s mission.
Where Do We Go From Here?
When we face questions about divine authority, Holy Tuesday invites us to ask:
1. Are we more concerned with defending our position/worldview or with being faithful to God’s calling?
2. Do we welcome the words of Jesus, even when they challenge us, or do we silence them?
3. Do we recognize God’s ownership of the “vineyard”—our ministries, churches, and lives—or have we begun to act like we own it?
The good news is that even though the tenants rejected the son, God’s purposes weren’t defeated.
The rejected stone became the cornerstone (Mark 12:10-11). The religious leaders’ rejection didn’t diminish Jesus’ authority—it was confirmed through His Resurrection.
As we continue our journey through Holy Week, may we examine our hearts, relinquish our grip on control, and recognize Jesus’ authority in all areas of our lives.
Lord Jesus, on this Holy Tuesday, I humbly come before You, acknowledging Your ultimate authority over my life. Help me to trust in Your guidance and stand firm in my faith, even amidst challenges and uncertainties. Open my heart to Your truth, and may I always surrender my will to Yours, seeking to glorify You in all I do. Amen.
Dr. Tony Caldwell is pastor of the Hinesville First United Methodist Church. His teaching website can be found at Refinery Radio