Why We Delay Obedience | Mark 11:31–33

The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Mark & Holly Roth from Burnsville, MN. Thank you for standing with us throughout Project 23. Your support is helping others encounter Jesus, not just in theory, but in truth. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 11:31-33:

And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” — Mark 11:31-33

The religious leaders are finally cornered. Jesus asked them a question about John the Baptist, and they knew whichever way they answered, it would cost them. So they evade with the response, “We don’t know.” But they do know. They’ve just chosen not to answer, because the truth would force a change they’re unwilling to make.

They feared the people. They feared losing influence. They feared what complete honesty would require of them. So they play it safe. They answer with a non-answer. And Jesus refuses to answer their original question, just like they evade his.

Sometimes the real problem isn’t that we don’t know what’s true, it’s that we don’t want to deal with the consequences of accepting the known truth. So we pretend we’re unsure. So we stall. So we delay obedience. Which in the end is disobedience. But deep down most of the time, we already know the answer.

You know that habit has to go. You know that relationship isn’t healthy. You know the forgiveness needs to be extended. You know Jesus is calling you to surrender something.

Stop playing games with God. Stop saying “I don’t know” when the truth is right before you.

Remember, the truth is a gift. But it only changes you when you receive it from God, accept it into your heart, soul, and mind, and apply it to your life.

#ActOnTruth, #Mark11, #ObedientFaith

ASK THIS:

1. Why did the religious leaders say “We don’t know” when they did?
2. What does fear of people often prevent us from doing?
3. Where have you delayed obedience, claiming uncertainty?
4. What would it look like to step into truth without hesitation?

DO THIS:

Name one thing God has already made clear to you, but you’ve been putting off. Then take one action step today toward obedience.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, I don’t want to pretend I don’t know what you’re asking. Give me the courage to act on the truth I’ve already received. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"From The Inside Out."