By What Authority?

Mark 11:33 (KJV)
And they answered and said unto Jesus. We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

One of the greatest tragedies of man is the pride that leads to hardened hearts, hearts so calloused and u feeling and indifferent that even when confronted with straight facts of truth, they will not be moved.

These are not ignorant people. They could even reason out the thinking of the people and yet because of pride, they remained non-committal. Hypocrites indeed!

Jesus could very well answer them, but until they undergo a spiritual heart bypass, until their hearts were softened, nothing will go in. Not even from the Son of God Himself. When their hearts are right, the source of Jesus' authority would have come across as very obvious.

Oftentimes, when we try to speak to prospects, we may run into such attitudes. It always boils down to either of each or combination of 3 basic reasons - pride, prejudice, profit. When such are in the way, there is no amount of persuasion, no amount of truth that will make any headway. Oftentimes, it is much better for us to back off, till a more opportune time.
On the other hand, we need to check our own attitudes. Especially when confronted by well-meaning brethren.
Let us not at anytime be found to question the authority of God because of our own lusts but be humble and ready to accept and make changes.