Religious Leaders: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus: “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from?
Religious Leaders: “We do not know.”
Jesus: “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”*
The dialogue above is a snapshot version of classic religious banter. Religious people are always trying to entrap others who don’t believe what they believe. Jesus loves to answer a question with a question to invite people to search their souls.
Are you asking questions to judge or entrap someone? Can you see your question as a way to know yourself and grow in love? In a day of quick snark and polarizing answers, what questions help you drop the plow to investigate your own interior landscape and strengthen relationships?
Dumping religion for relationship,
Clare and Scott
Photo credit Clem Onojeghuo
*Advent Lectionary Reading