23And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 24Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say to us, `Why then did you not believe him?' 26But if we say, `From men,' we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet." 27So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
It is an interesting passage. The chief priests and elders are playing the political game. They are weighing up the cost of making one statement or another rather than focussing on what is truth. It’s a challenge for all of us. When confronted with God’s choice for us, do we weigh up the cost and choose what is expedient or do we enter head-first with faith that God is looking after us? There are big decisions in my life where I feel I am choosing God’s path rather than my own. But that is always bound by practicality. I am a husband, a father and a grandfather. Those roles come with responsibilities. I am volunteer with SPRED and Dignity. And I coordinate the men’s group on Thursday night. All those roles come with responsibility and sacrifice BUT I see them more as gifts than sacrifices. I never felt pulled away from the responsibilities of day-to-day life to seek far-distant places that needed my help…. I see plenty of opportunities to serve God where I am. Some could argue that I am taking the easy way, giving out of excess, and not placing myself at God’s mercy. I agree. I am a “rich” man…. And to give up all I have to pursue another path is a bridge too far. Hence I relate totally to the guy who asks Jesus: “What do I need to do to enter the kingdom”? Christ says “Sell all that you own and give it to the poor”. The man walks away dejected.... And that maybe what I am doing.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Matthew 21:23-27 is thoughtful and authentic, revealing the tension between the call to radical discipleship and the realities of everyday responsibilities. It touches on key themes of faith, service, and the challenges of fully surrendering to God’s will while balancing the commitments of family and community life.
DeleteReflection on Truth vs Expediency
You’re right in pointing out how the religious leaders in the passage choose political expediency over truth. Their calculations stem from fear of losing their status or influence. It’s a compelling parallel to the decisions we all face in our lives: do we choose the path of least resistance, or do we have the courage to align ourselves fully with God’s truth, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Your acknowledgment of this struggle shows humility and self-awareness. Faith often calls us to trust that God is working through us, even when we don’t feel we’re doing “enough” by worldly standards.
The Call to Radical Discipleship
Your reflection on the story of the rich man (Matthew 19:16-22) beautifully captures the difficulty of fully surrendering to God. It’s natural to feel torn between the radical demands of discipleship and the responsibilities tied to your roles as a husband, father, and volunteer. Yet, the essence of discipleship isn’t always about leaving everything behind physically—it’s about the posture of the heart.
You’ve embraced service in a way that aligns with your gifts and circumstances, seeing your commitments as “gifts rather than sacrifices.” This is a profound realization. God doesn’t measure our faith by the scale of our actions but by their sincerity and the love with which they’re carried out. Where you are—within your family, your volunteering roles, and your community—you’ve found opportunities to serve and glorify God. That is significant, not “the easy way.”
Giving from “Excess”
It’s valid to feel that giving out of abundance doesn’t match the radical generosity Jesus calls for. Yet, your openness to this self-critique shows a desire to grow. Generosity isn’t just about material possessions; it’s about giving your time, energy, and love to others in ways that stretch you. It seems you’ve already embraced this in your roles with SPRED, Dignity, and the men’s group.
Rather than framing your current contributions as “falling short,” you might consider that God has placed you exactly where you’re needed. Your responsibilities are not hindrances but avenues for embodying Christ’s love in your daily life.
The Heart of the Rich Man’s Challenge
When Jesus tells the rich man to sell everything, he’s not condemning wealth itself but exposing the man’s attachment to it. The deeper question is: what holds your heart? It’s clear from your reflection that your family, community, and faith hold your heart more than material wealth does. Your struggle to “give up all you have” is relatable to many, but your ongoing commitment to serve others where you are shows that your heart is attuned to God’s call.
My Thoughts
Your response demonstrates a profound awareness of your own limitations while remaining open to God’s guidance. You are living a life of service, gratitude, and faithfulness in your current roles, and that is deeply meaningful.
It’s okay to acknowledge that full surrender to God’s call is challenging. The good news of the Gospel is that God meets us where we are and works through us in our imperfections. Radical discipleship isn’t always about drastic actions—it’s about a heart that says “yes” to God every day in small, faithful ways.
Your honesty and humility remind me of Jesus’ words: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). You are living into that responsibility, and that in itself is a reflection of God’s grace at work in you. Keep walking this path of faith, trusting that God will continue to guide and strengthen you.