“Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” 31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. 33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”” Mark 11:27-33 NKJV
Father,
November is a time to remember. ‘Remember remember the fifth of November, the Gunpowder treason and plot . . . ‘ Many, unless it is covered in school history lessons, do not really know what bonfire night is about. And today is remembrance day. I know schools do cover this in the curriculum but I wonder how real it seems. The generations who lost fathers and brothers and husbands and sweethearts in the first and second world wars are less with each year that passes. The women who were the land army and the home guard too. And the animals. How sad that we have now so many more wars to list and so many more casualties.
So what do we need to remember from this passage of Your Word Father God for our time? The religious leaders prefered to say they did not know rather than answer Jesus. Can’t admit they may be wrong! Safer to sit on the fence and plead ignorance. Surely that doesn’t apply to me? This passage reminds me I cannot plead ignorance when I do not want to be put in the spotlight or grapple with difficult questions.
Some things we will never know the answers to – like when are You coming back (Matthew 24:36). Some questions put us on the spot. Challenge us when we have lapsed become complacent and think we are OK. Some questions are asked to try to belittle or embarrass us. Help us to answer wisely questions of faith.
So Father, when you question us or others put us on the spot. Help us to admit when we might have been wrong or were. Help us to apologise, say we will find out or pray about it and come back with an answer. Help us to recognise those things we cannot answer but You know God. Jesus was never pushed into a corner or persuaded to take a certain view. He looked to You. Ignorance and opting out is not an excuse. ‘Help’ before I open my mouth is a good prayer.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 11th November 2026
Keeping the main thing the main thing in worship
Who paints the skies into glorious day?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who breathes His life into fists of clay?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who shapes the valleys and brings the rain?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who makes the desert to live again?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Teach every nation His marvellous ways;
Each generation shall sing His praise.
He is wonderful, He is glorious,
Clothed in righteousness,
Full of tenderness.
Come and worship Him,
He’s the Prince of life,
He will cleanse our hearts
In His river of fire.
Who hears the cry of the barren one?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who breaks the curse of the heart of stone?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who storms the prison and sets men free?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Purchasing souls for eternity?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Teach every nation His marvellous ways;
Each generation shall sing His praise.
Chorus
Lyrics: Stuart Townend