It’s what you learn when you think you have it all figured out that really matters. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought they had it all figured out. They knew how the future would unfold. They were firm in what the long-expected messiah would accomplish. They were wrong. God had larger plans than retaking an earthly kingdom.
After they posed three questions to Jesus, He turned the tables on them. “While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he asked, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself says by the Holy Spirit: The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’ David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How, then, can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.” (Mark 12:35–37, CSB) The question and the answer strike at the core of their conviction.
While Jesus is the son of David by His human genealogy, He is the Son of God and far surpasses David. That’s the part that the Scribes, the teachers of the Law, didn’t understand. While they expected to reclaim the glory and power of the kingdom of Israel, Jesus’ mission was to establish the Kingdom of God, which knows no geographical boundary and is eternal.
The same pride that blinded the religious leaders can affect us as well. Following Christ requires humility. We don’t know all the answers, nor do we have it all figured out. But we do have the Holy Spirit, which leads us into all truth.
One example of spiritual pride is the strong assertions about Christ’s second coming. Christ will return-that is certain. For some, how it will happen is a litmus test of faith. If you disagree with them, then your faith is suspect. The timing and meaning of certain prophetic events can and will be debated until they become reality. No one except God knows all the answers.
Jesus called out the experts, challenged their understanding, and the crowd delighted in seeing them put on the spot for once. Jesus then warns the crowd. “He also said in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.” (Mark 12:38–40, CSB)
Beware of reverends, pastors, bishops, and the like who revel in their title, take pride in their position, and burden their people. Look for those with a humble heart, servant leaders who love and care for their flock as Jesus would. Avoid those leaders who “have it all figured out” and embrace those who are teachable.
And we should also look at our own attitudes. Are we like the scribes? Do we have it all figured out, or are we willing learners? Are we spiritually proud or do we walk humbly with our God? It’s what you learn when you think you know it all that really matters.
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