Thursday, September 24, 2026

And when He [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell Me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The Baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27)

The religious leaders in this story are in a tight spot. They want to know who sent Jesus to carry out His mission—and Jesus promises to tell them, if only they will answer the same question about John the Baptist. Who sent John? Was he from God, or did he baptize on his own authority—or from the devil?

The religious leaders discuss the question among themselves, and finally decide to duck it completely. It’s too dangerous for them to answer, either way. They would rather be safe than speak the truth—or hear the truth from Jesus, either.

But that means they miss out. They miss the chance to hear Jesus say honestly, “God sent Me. I am your Messiah, the Savior God promised to send you.” They could have heard it from Jesus’ own lips. What an opportunity they lost!

And yet, when I look in my own heart, I wonder too what opportunities I’m missing, because I prefer safety to truth. Are there areas of my life that need examination in the light of God’s truth, but I’m too afraid to go there, even with the Holy Spirit lighting my way? Are there actions I ought to take—apologies I should speak, amends I should make, but I can’t bring myself to face them, even with Jesus holding my hand?

Maybe. Probably!

And yet in spite of my cowardice, the truth remains. Jesus really is the Messiah. Jesus is the Son of God, sent from heaven to be our Savior. He suffered and died and rose from the dead for us, so that we might have truth and safety both—that we might be forgiven and cleansed and blessed forever, true children of God.

Because Jesus is the Truth of God and never, ever lies, we know that He will raise us also from death, according to His promises (see John 6:44, 54, 57). And Jesus is also our safety, and when we trust in Him, we are safe forever—because nothing can take us out of His hands.

WE PRAY: Dear Lord, when I am afraid, help me to look to You for safety and truth both, and nowhere else. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Reflection Questions:

1. Generally speaking, would you rather know the truth or be safe?
2. Why does it matter to you that Jesus is the Truth and speaks the truth to us?
3. How does Jesus meet your needs for safety—physical, emotional, or spiritual?

Today's Readings:

Isaiah 34-36
Romans 4

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