To Clever

Mark 11:27-33

Some people ask questions out of a genuine desire to know and understand the truth. Other people ask questions to try and trap the person they are seeking an answer from. We call these kinds of questions, “gotcha questions.” That is the kind of question these leaders asked Jesus.

Jesus wisely wouldn’t walk into their trap. Instead, He proposed a deal. You answer my question, and I will answer yours’. The hunters became the prey.

You will notice that the reason these leaders said they didn’t know the answer to Jesus’ question about John’s baptism is not that they didn’t have an opinion. They wouldn’t answer because they knew, either way, they answered it would create a problem for them with the people. So, the feigned ignorance.

In other words, they weren’t seeking the truth. Jesus is doing more than simply slyly figuring out a way to avoid answering the question. Jesus is revealing that the question wasn’t genuine. The aim wasn’t seeking truth. The aim was to entrap Jesus to undermine His credibility and ministry. The proof that these men were not truth-seekers is revealed by their refusal to answer Jesus’ question honestly.

Be careful how and even whether you answer to people who aren’t asking questions to honestly seek the truth. Use wisdom. Have discernment.