Tough love

Bible Reading - Mark 11:12-12:12

Think back to the time when a teacher or instructor corrected you. Their remarks probably stung. Their rebukes could have been harsh. They might even have ended up on your “Most Hated” list. But more likely than not, they were concerned about the mistakes you were making and wanted you to learn to do what was right.

Similarly, because He cares, Jesus warned and scolded the Jewish chief priests, scribes and elders for their faithlessness towards God. Though they claimed to worship God, their religious system had failed to make known God’s salvation to the nations (11:15-17).

Though they had the Scriptures (God’s revelation), they refused to accept that God had sent Jesus to save the world. Instead, they plotted to get rid of Him (12:1-12).

Jesus’ harsh rebuke towards the Jewish religious authorities reflected His frustration with their stubborn hearts. He was disappointed at their lack of faith in Him (Luke 13:34, Matthew 23:37). He even delivered a scathing criticism of their hypocrisy, spiritual blindness and acts of violence against God’s servants (Matthew 23:1-36).

Jesus didn’t have anger management issues. So when He was upset, it was for a really good reason. Jesus takes faithlessness very seriously. He knows the danger of rejecting God’s revelation. He can see through people’s false humility and empty religion. He does not want us to sink into faithlessness.

Instead, He wants us to be faithful. Faithfulness is believing in God’s revelation about who Jesus is. It is trusting in God and forgiving those who hurt us (11:22-25).

Let’s pause for a while and reflect. Are there areas in your life where God has shown you what He wants you to do, yet you’re unwilling to act on it? How can you turn from faithlessness to faithfulness?

As you reflect on the passage, write a prayer to God to help you apply what His Word says.

As you spend time on the couch with God, take a moment to pray and reflect on what you've read.