Why did Jesus refuse to answer the chief priests who questioned him? Because they did not seek the truth; rather, they sought to entrap him. Jesus uncovered their own deceitfulness by asking them from where the authority of John came. Instead of answering according to their consciences and true knowledge, they treated the question as a political game - an opportunity to jockey for power. They did not want to lose their reputation before the people, and they were willing to sacrifice the truth in order to maintain their authority.
Jesus does not wish to play this game. If we come seeking only to test him, or seeking only to glorify ourselves, Jesus will not reveal the truth to us - indeed, we will not be able to see or answer for the truth. St. Augustine says that sinful human beings want to reveal the truth without being revealed by the truth, so God instead reveals our true selves to us while keeping the truth - which is Himself - hidden. This is precisely what happens here: the chief priests are revealed as hypocrites and frauds, but the truth about Jesus remains concealed from them.
But we know that if we approach Jesus with humility, seeking truth and not seeking deception, then He will answer us. If we genuinely seek the truth, we will find it. And, if we genuinely seek the truth about Christ, we must not be afraid to let Christ reveal us to ourselves. Throughout the Gospels we see Jesus liberating people to become their true selves. He reveals their weaknesses so that He can heal them and set them free. And while revealing those weaknesses He also uncovers our hidden strengths, showing us the courage that we never knew we had.
Let God reveal our weaknesses. He is a gentle, loving healer; He will care for us tenderly. Let Him reveal our strengths; He will only delight in them and augment them, for "to the one who already has more will be given." Let Him reveal Himself: the one who commands praise and love. Seek truth, not power.
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