When Leaders Choose Power Over Righteousness
Jesus refuses to trade integrity for influence.
They knew the right answer. But pleasing people was more important to them than doing the right thing.
It’s one thing if someone doesn’t know what’s right. Or makes a mistake. Or simply is too ignorant to recognize justice. But it’s a whole other, deeply concerning thing, to know what’s right and choose something else.
The chief priests, legal experts, and elders weren’t seeking truth. They were playing politics. They feared losing influence more than they feared losing integrity.
So when Jesus asks them about a simple yes-or-no question, they don’t answer honestly. Rather, they calculate. They hedge. They weigh public perception. And in the end, they refuse to answer. They refuse to give the answer they know is right.
They’re unwilling to bear the cost of truth.
Jesus, in contrast, always bears out righteousness.
In this situation, he doesn’t argue. He simply responds in kind, not willing to join in with people who aren’t in favor of righteousness.
Jesus doesn’t waste time with dishonest dialogue. His authority is not up for negotiation. It is visible in his life, his teaching, and his love. Those with eyes to see will see it. Those without… will deflect, delay, and hide behind committee discussions.
Sometimes faithfulness means refusing to play along with systems that prioritize power over truth.
Even if we think there might possibly be a supposed “greater good.”
Mark 11:27-33
Jesus and his disciples entered Jerusalem again. As Jesus was walking around the temple, the chief priests, legal experts, and elders came to him. They asked, “What kind of authority do you have for doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?”
Jesus said to them, “I have a question for you. Give me an answer, then I’ll tell you what kind of authority I have to do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”
They argued among themselves, “If we say, ‘It’s of heavenly origin,’ he’ll say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But we can’t say, ‘It’s of earthly origin.’” They said this because they were afraid of the crowd, because they all thought John was a prophet. They answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you what kind of authority I have to do these things.”
Psalm 26:1-3, 6-8
Establish justice for me, Lord, because I have walked with integrity. I’ve trusted the Lord without wavering. Examine me, Lord; put me to the test! Purify my mind and my heart. Because your faithful love is right in front of me— I walk in your truth!
I wash my hands—they are innocent! I walk all around your altar, Lord, proclaiming out loud my thanks, declaring all your wonderful deeds! I love the beauty of your house, Lord; I love the place where your glory resides.
Prayer
God,
The desire to influence is strong. The desire to be of noticeable consequence is hard to ignore. Particularly for leaders who are supposed to “make a difference,” show progress, and please people with results, it is quite tempting to favor the appearance of fruitfulness in exchange for persistent right-doing.
So help me, God: Deliver me from these desires. Help me to more obviously know that you see all things and will always have the back of those who do what’s right, even if it costs in the moment.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.