The influence of Jesus and the fear of Scribes and Elders

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Eight Week:  Saturday*

*Gospel :  Mark 11:27-33*

*First Reading : Jude 17: 20-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : 63: 2-6*

*The influence of Jesus and the fear of Scribes and Elders*

*1) The real intention of the scribes and elders?*

*A) To trap Jesus publicly*

The religious leaders were looking for a way to discredit Him before the people.

If Jesus claimed divine authority openly, they could accuse Him of blasphemy. If He avoided answering, they could portray Him as a false teacher.

*B) They felt threatened by His influence*

Jesus was gaining enormous moral and spiritual influence among ordinary people.

The crowds listened to Him because: He spoke with authority, He exposed hypocrisy, He cared for the poor and excluded, He challenged corrupt religious practices

The leaders feared losing: religious control, social status, public honor, and political stability.

*2) Were they afraid of Jesus’ influence? Absolutely.*

But notice: Jesus had: no army, no political office, no media empire, no wealth.  Yet the leaders were deeply unsettled.

Why? Because moral authority can become more powerful than institutional authority. A person who speaks truth with integrity can influence hearts more deeply than systems built on fear.

*3) How do we understand this passage today?*

This passage is deeply relevant today because the conflict between truth and institutional power still exists.

Present-day parallels : People and systems often resist voices that: expose hypocrisy, challenge corruption, call for repentance, or threaten established influence.

Sometimes truth is rejected not because it is false, but because it is inconvenient.

*4) Jesus’ Power*

The influence of Jesus Christ has lasted over 2,000 years across cultures, languages, empires, and technologies.

Empires rose and fell.

Media systems changed.

Political regimes disappeared.

Yet His teachings continue to transform lives globally.

His influence operates differently: through conscience, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, truth, and spiritual transformation.

*Media power* Media can: dominate attention, create trends, manipulate perception, influence short-term thinking.

But media influence is often: temporary, emotionally driven, and constantly changing. 

Media can shape opinions. Jesus changes hearts. That is a different kind of power.

*5) Fear of Losing Influence*

The religious leaders could not control Jesus.

This is often where resistance begins: when truth cannot be managed, when conscience awakens, when people begin questioning hypocrisy.

Sometimes institutions fear genuine spiritual movements because they cannot easily control them.

*6) Points to Ponder*

Do I seek truth honestly, or only what protects my position?

Am I more concerned with public image than truth?

Do I fear people’s opinions more than God’s voice?

Am I using influence responsibly?

What shapes me more deeply — media narratives or spiritual wisdom?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*