How Not to Have a Relationship with Jesus

 27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” 29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!” 31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) 33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

–Mark 11.27-33 (NIV)

In today’s lesson we get a wonderful insight in how not  to interact with Jesus if we really want to have a relationship with him. The gospels give us a wonderful picture of Jesus reaching out to people and answering their sincere questions (cf. the story of the woman at the well and the rich young ruler). Jesus will always answer our heartfelt and sincere questions–at least to the extent that we are able to understand the answer–and even welcomes them. After all, if we are ever to have a relationship with Jesus, we have to get to know him. We have to understand what he offers us and what he expects from us (to deny ourselves, take up our cross each day, and follow him is the short answer to that one).

But as with any of us, Jesus does not respond well to pride, presumption, and hubris when it is aimed at him. When we approach him as if we superior to him or know better than him about life and how to live, we can expect a response that is appropriate to that which we offer. We see that illustrated perfectly in today’s story. Notice that the question of Jesus’ opponents was essentially the same as the question that the woman at the well asked Jesus. There, Jesus took the time to explain who he was and what he could offer her. Here we see Jesus essentially telling the teachers of the Law and other big shots to go pack sand. Why? Because they are not remotely interested in meeting Jesus on his terms and when that happens, we can expect silence and/or a rejoinder that is appropriate to our hostility.

So here’s the question for you. If you are not enjoying the kind of relationship with Jesus that you desire, are you treating him as his ancient opponents did? Are you demanding that he meet you on your terms and not his? It’s OK to be skeptical but it’s not OK to be dishonestly skeptical, i.e., to have already judged Jesus so that you are unwilling to change your views about him. To ask this question requires great honesty and humility on your part. But if you are willing to ask yourself that question and are equally willing to answer it honestly, you are well on your way to laying the groundwork for a real and life-changing relationship with the Lord of this universe.

To have that kind of relationship requires humility, honesty, and an open mind (I am constantly amazed at how closed minded some of the self-professed brightest and most sophisticated are; it really is telling). It requires that you acknowledge that you are creature and Jesus is Creator so that you can act accordingly. It requires that you be willing to acknowledge that you and your needs are not the center of the universe, that Jesus might actually have bigger and better plans for you than you can imagine in your wildest hopes and dreams. These plans will surely entail you being a servant to others and having a heart for the welfare of others that is at least equal to your own needs. Because that is the secret to living a happy and fulfilling life–to make it about serving Christ and others. As our Lord suggested multiple times, the key to finding your true self is to lose your selfish self. Then, of course, you really have to trust that Jesus knows best and will deliver for you, even if it doesn’t always mesh with what you really want.

None of this will make sense unless you are willing to take the plunge and try it. If you are, you can count on a wild and wonderful ride. You will be met by resistance and hostility. You will suffer the scorn and contempt of Jesus’ enemies (who will quickly become yours when they find out Whose you really are). But take heart and hope. None of them can give you real life or raise you from the dead. Your future does not belong to them. It belongs to the One who loves you from all eternity and who invites you to enter into a relationship that will give you real life and equip you with the character you need to be really human.

Are you ready for that kind of life?

One thought on “How Not to Have a Relationship with Jesus

  1. What does Jesus offer? He offers love and salvation. What does He expect from us? Belief, worship, and living our lives in Him (Eph. 3:17-19).

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