Do you know the story of the farmer, his son, and their donkey?

When both walk beside the donkey, they are criticized for not riding it. When the farmer is seen riding it, he is rebuked for making his son walk; when the son rides it, he is scorned for making his elderly father walk. When they are both seen riding it, they are told off for overburdening the poor animal. Finally, when the father and son carry the donkey tied to a pole slung between their shoulders, they are mocked for their stupidity.

It’s a classic story that illustrates what happens when you are afraid of the opinions of others and allow yourself to be driven by what they think.

Being afraid of people leads to disastrous consequences, especially when it comes to matters about faith and God.

In the closing section of Mark 11 we are told twice that the religious leaders “were afraid” and both times it’s referring to them being afraid of people and what they think.

They were afraid of Jesus and the people because His action in cleansing the Temple clearly showed He possessed some sort of authority. They were afraid He was claiming to be the Messiah, that the people would rally to His cause, and this would ultimately lead to the Romans squashing the rebellion and hold them accountable for it all.

They were afraid to answer His question about the source of John the Baptist’s authority. If they say John did not come from God, then the people may rise up in rebellion against them!

There was so much fear in them and it’s tragic because it blinded them to the truth of who Jesus was and what He came to do.

The same fear can blind us as well. We don’t put our trust in Jesus because we are afraid others may think we have become a “religious nut”, or they will mock and ridicule us for “needing a crutch.”

Being afraid of people when it comes to matters of faith will keep you from God and His salvation.

Don’t live your life in fear…

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 11:27-33