Lent is a preparation, a spiritually-disciplined journey, a purposeful reflection on Jesus Christ.

This week, let’s focus on what Jesus teaches us about suffering. And remember:

• Read today’s verses multiple times, aloud when possible.
• Write something that stands out to you on a sticky note, and carry it with you throughout the day.
• Journal sometime throughout the day or write reflections in the comments section below each post.
• Refuse to treat this daily reading as something you “have to” do. Challenge yourself to lean into the verses, open your heart to them, and journey toward Jesus through them.

They came again to Jerusalem. As He was walking in the temple complex, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? Who gave You this authority to do these things?”

Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

They began to argue among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was a genuine prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11:27-33)