What does Mark 11:31 reveal about the Pharisees' fear of public opinion? Setting the Scene • Jesus has entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple (Mark 11:15–18). • The chief priests, scribes, and elders confront Him about His authority (Mark 11:27–28). • Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist’s baptism, forcing them to reveal their hearts (Mark 11:29–30). Reading the Text Mark 11:31: “They deliberated among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” He will ask, “Why then did you not believe him?”’” Key Observations • “They deliberated”: their immediate instinct is political calculation, not truth‐seeking. • “If we say, ‘From heaven’”: they recognize the logical consequence—admitting John’s divine commission would expose their unbelief and rebellion. • The fear is implied in verse 31 and spelled out in verse 32 (“they were afraid of the crowd”). Verse 31 shows the beginning of that fearful reasoning. What This Reveals About the Pharisees’ Fear • Fear of exposure: admitting John was heaven‐sent would indict them publicly. • Fear of consistency: acknowledgment would force them to align with John’s testimony about Jesus (John 1:29; 3:27–36). • Fear of losing influence: acceptance of John’s authority would shift spiritual authority away from them (cf. Matthew 21:26). • Preference for human approval over divine approval: they gauge responses, not righteousness (cf. John 12:43). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 20:19: “The scribes and chief priests … feared the people.” • Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Acts 5:28–29: the apostles choose obedience to God over the threats of men—contrast to the Pharisees. Implications for Us Today • Truth must govern our words, not anticipated reactions. • Refusing to acknowledge God’s work leads to inconsistent, self‐preserving compromises. • Fear of human opinion can silence belief, obedience, and witness. • Genuine faith submits to evidence of God’s authority, regardless of personal cost. |
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