“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” Mark 11:28 (Mark 11:27-33)

While tha Son be strolling about in tha temple the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders asked, “Who gave you authority to do this?” By “this” they meant teach, preach, heal, and perform miracles.

Tha Son replied, “I will ask ya a question. John’s baptism—was it from heaven or men? Tell me!”

The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders conferred. “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin then [the people will turn on us].” So they said ter tha Son, “Ah . . . we don’t know.”

In reply tha Son said, “Then neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Folks always be asking, “Who made you judge and jury?”  When such a question be put ter ya, shift tha focus on ter Skipper and his authority. Ask, “Jesus Christ—was he God’s son or simply a prophet, teacher and good man?”

If they say God’s son, then ya might ask why don’ they believe in him. If they say a prophet, teacher and good man, then ask:

• “Whar do ya believe tha heavens and earth and all we enjoy come from?”
• “What be tha basis fer yer moral code?”
• “When ya die what’ll happen ter ya soul, spirit, body?”
• Lastly ask, “Ya willing ter be yer life that ya be right ’bout all this?”

Fer ever be a long time ter regret not spending more time planning fer yer future. With each breath we be one moment closer ter finding out if we bet right or not. Them who be wise still ask, seek, and knock.