“Painted Into A Corner” – MARK 11:27-33

Beliefs are a two-edged sword.

Our human nature and the power of the minds that God gave us cause us to formulate beliefs and to hold some of them tightly. Religion, politics and football are common areas in which people cling to the beliefs they have formed. No one can dissuade me from my belief in the identity of the greatest college football program (you get to guess which one I’m talking about). My politics have evolved some over time, but my core beliefs guide my vote.

On matters of religion … well, what do you expect me to say?

You might present “facts” to claim that another team is worth following, and you might be quite compelling and passionate in your case. Fortunately, this is fun and not a matter of eternal significance. There are some jaded and cynical opportunists in the political realm, but most folks sincerely hold their political views because that is the way they see things. In a representative republic the destiny of nations may be at stake (or not), but nations will fade away. Religion is an entirely different matter. Either Jesus is the way to heaven (John 14:6) or Christians are pitiable fools (1 Corinthians 15:17).

In comparison to football and politics, well … there simply is no comparison.

So then, how are our beliefs a two-edged sword? Sometimes people allow beliefs to lead them into the realm of inconsistency. Beliefs in conflict with desires, desires in conflict with actions and actions in conflict with beliefs produce “traps” for us – just like the trap the high priests, scribes and elders found themselves in with Jesus. Their fundamental belief that they were the chosen people of God and their man-made belief that they were the guardians of the relationship with God (11:27-28) and men put them into the position of inconsistency. Further, any threat to their position must be dealt with and removed.

Including Jesus.

John was the fore-runner of Christ in fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus is the Son of God confirmed by miracles and the spoken Word of God at His baptism. The Jewish leaders were engaged in a “dance” that was in the process of separating them from their relationship with God. They held their beliefs so tightly that they squeezed truth and rational thinking out. They wanted to fit Messiah into their system, and Jesus caught them in their own trap. To cling to power, they needed the support of the people. The people loved John. The leaders were, let’s just say “less than fully supportive” (11:31-32).

They painted themselves into a corner, and Jesus exposed them (11:29-30). When confronted with inconsistency, the good and honest heart will submit to truth. On the other hand, a deceptive heart with ulterior motives will cling to those closely held beliefs to the detriment of their souls. What do we do when our religious beliefs come into conflict with Scripture? The Jewish leaders “whiffed” and said “We do not know” (11:33). They knew. In a religious world with so many ideologies and competing groups, the Word of God and Son of God stand as the arbiter of truth and salvation.

When we come face to face with inconsistencies in our beliefs, desires and actions, what will we do?

Be careful, the back edge of the sword of our beliefs can slice us away from covenant relationship with God.