Devotion for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

“And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.  Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me” (Mark 11:29-30).

There are many questions we cannot answer, but we can look at what the authorities say.  Wickedness abuses authority and we know that the Lord is the source of all legitimate authority.  Here, the ones opposed to the Lord stopped short because they could not deny that the Baptism of John was affecting the crowds.  They feared the crowd, but not the Lord.  Fear the Lord and not the crowd.

Lord, You know how much I am influenced by those around me.  I sometimes fear the crowd instead of You.  You are the source of all authority, and Your will shall be accomplished.  I may question the actions of others; but teach me to understand when You are speaking and to trust You above all created things.  I may not know how or even why; but help me comprehend when it is Your hand that is acting.

Lord Jesus, You came to save all who believe.  You offer this gift to all.  There are those who are constantly questioning and do not want to believe.  Help my unbelief so that I look to You and do not doubt that You are always acting in our world.  When confronted with those who do not believe, help me to answer them with wisdom, pointing to You, as the One through whom all things have their being.  Amen.