But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Mark 11:27-33

But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mark 11:32-33

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:27-33.  Excerpts from the commentary's third (of three) division (vv32-33):

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "They Fear Men More than They Fear God."
• We are referred to Proverbs 29:25 where fear of man is highlighted as a "snare," while God is our refuge from such snares. See also 1 Sam 15:24 and Luke 12:4-5.
• The scribes and Jewish elders' response to Jesus is telling. "It’s sad, isn’t it? What was expedient and safe was more important to them than what was true and right. “We don’t know” was a lie motivated by fear. They would rather keep their position and live a lie than submit to Christ and walk in the truth. They had neither sincere motives nor an open mind." 
• "Twice in this section of Mark, it says the religious leaders were afraid of the people. The fear of man hindered their movement toward Jesus. Their fear of what others would think paralyzed them. Their fear of losing face, of losing power and position and prestige, condemned them."

Fear of man, or conversely, a desire to be accepted by man, is what motivates many these days - particularly those posting avidly on social media. As I posted a couple of days ago, we should not seek our identity, significance, or value, in the world.  Believers know that they experience the "chain of salvation" starting with justification.  Many feel shame or weakness because they feel defined (and trapped) by their sins or imperfections.  Yet believers are "justified," which is that "God declares sinners righteous in His sight."  Additionally, many seek perfection from a worldly standard, yet this will not spare anyone from the "wages of sin" which is death (Romans 6:23).  Only God saves, and through justification, He imputes His perfect righteousness onto the faithful who believe.  We no longer need to strive in our own efforts for salvation - we simply must believe in Him.  God made each one of us in His image for His purpose.  Believe in Him and allow Him to continue and finish a work in You.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies.  Thank You for loving me and adopting me into Your family and for saving me.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.