The Problem with Political Correctness - Luke 20:1-8

"They talked it over among themselves. If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet. So they finally replied that they didn’t know. And Jesus responded, Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things" (vs. 5-8). One day near the end of His earthly ministry while Jesus was teaching in the Temple, the religious leaders challenged His authority. Jesus responded to the challenge by asking them by what authority did John the Baptist teach and baptize. It didn't make any difference to these leaders what was the truthful or right answer, but rather what was the politically correct response. That's the problem with political correctness--there's no conviction in it; you don't have to take a stand on anything. It's all about compromise. These leaders talked it over among themselves and came up with an answer that didn't hurt anybody's feelings or didn't make anybody mad, especially at them! In response to their pusillanimous reply to His question, Jesus told a parable to demonstrate how God's judgment would be on Israel's leaders for rejecting God's Son. Jesus told them that His way is not the easy way--but it's the only way. Therefore, He becomes an obstacle for compromisers: "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on" (vs. 17-18). But even that story had no effect (except to make them more angry) because the leaders watched for opportunities to denounce Jesus by sending out spies to get Him to say something against the Roman government (vs 20). Jesus is still the only way: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Therefore, following Jesus is not a compromise we make, it's a conviction we live by.