Christ's Credentials

Don’t Tell Me What to Do!

We do NOT like it when somebody tells us what to do. Not one bit.

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, is gonna boss me around. I’ll do what I want, when I want, how I want, and where I want. 

Don’t Tread on Me

That’s pretty much the way most of us think, especially here in the good ol’ US of A, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. And if you don’t believe me, take a good long look at my “Don’t Tread on Me” bumper sticker.

Now let me get this on the table from Jump Street. I’m NOT opposed to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But when I think I’m the captain of my ship, I’m on a collision course with Almighty God. And it never ends well. Never. Ever.

Jewish Rulers

I invite you to sit back and let Mark tell us a little story about a group of guys who made this very same mistake (Mk 11:27-33). They’re “the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders” (v27). 

That’s one way of describing the folks who make up the Great Sanhedrin in Jesus’ day. That’s just a fancy word for the rulers of the Jewish people. These are 71 men who function kinda like a combo of our Supreme Court, Congress, and President, all rolled into one.

The Hebrew Home Office

They’re Hebrew home office in Jerusalem. They run it all for the Jews. Well at least they THINK they do. The crazy thing is they’re actually under the thumb of a local, two-bit Roman governor named Pontius Pilate at the time.

They’ve also conveniently forgotten that they’re also under God’s authority. That’s going to become glaringly apparent to us when they confront the Christ just days before His crucifixion.

A Crazy Few Days

The best estimate by biblical experts is that this all goes down on Tuesday of what we call Passion Week. Let’s just say it’s been a crazy few days. As they say on Netflix, previously on the Gospel of Mark…

There was Sunday’s parade and celebration (Mk 11:1-11). On Monday, Christ curses a figless fig tree (Mk 11:12-14) before kicking butt and taking names at the temple (Mk 11:15-19). 

Tuesday begins with the guys seeing what’s left of the shriveled fig tree and Jesus turning it into a lesson on the connection between forgiveness and prayer (Mk 11:20-25).

Priests, Teachers, and Elders

Later that same day, we pick up the action as the radical Rabbi/Carpenter and His disciples roll into the city. “Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to Him” (v27). Okay, boys and girls. It’s on.

So just who are these guys? Let’s take a closer look at the starting lineup of the Sanhedrin.

Repping God to the People

Batting leadoff are the “leading priests.” According the writer of Hebrew’s, this “is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins…he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as others” (Heb 5:1-2, 3).

Notice how they rep God to the people but they need His forgiveness just like everybody else. While priests have a special role, there’s nothing special about them.

The Ultimate Leading Priest

The “leading priests” would not just the current high priest but every man who had ever served in that role. Once the high priest, always a high priest.

If that’s the case, Annas and Caiaphas are here. Sound familiar? Yup, THAT Annas and Caiaphas who led the kangaroo court to kill Christ.

Well, little did these “leading priests” realize that they’re talking to the Ultimate Leading Priest (Heb 2:17; 3:1; 4:14-16; 5:5, 10; 6:20; 7:11-8:2; 10:12).

Scriptural Go-To Guys

“The scribes” (v27) are learned experts in Old Testament Law. Their very title in the original Greek (Gr. γραμματευς/grammateus) means one of the writings or letters. 

Scribes are the go-to guys for answers to those sticky questions about Scripture. They probably have huge chunks of the OT memorized. Yeah, one of THOSE folks! The modern equivalent would be theologians and seminary types. 

They probably don’t have a clue that they’re standing in the presence of the very One the OT is talking about (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46). These experts in the Word of God are face-to-face with God the Word (Jn 1:1)!

Powerful Lay Leaders

And we can’t forget “the elders” (v27). These aren’t so much religious professionals but wealthy and powerful lay leaders. These seasoned senior leaders have been around since the days of Moses (Ex 3:16, 18).

Despite their position of privilege and power on earth, we read how the elders in the heavenly kingdom fall humbly before the Lamb of God is worship (Rev 5:6-14). Not exactly what’s gonna happen here on this Tuesday at the temple.

Never Good for the Son of God

Anytime Mark mentions when these three teams join forces, it’s never good for the Son of God. They’re behind His arrest in Gethsemane (Mk 14:43). 

They railroad the innocent Jesus and sentence Him to death (Mk 14:27). They beg the Roman governor to crucify Him as a traitor to the empire (Mk 15:1-2).

And get this. Christ went so far as to predict to His crew that these three groups will team up to kill Him. But He also predicted that He wouldn’t stay dead (Mk 8:31)!

Religious Undies in a Bundle

So it should come as no shock that they get right in the Son of God’s grill from the get-go. “They demanded, ‘By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right to do them?’” (v28).

Can’t you just see them hustling His way, robes flying, faces scowling, with their religious undies in a bundle? How dare You step on our turf without our permission?!? Somehow, someway, they think they’re in charge. Please.

They want to know whether He’s gone rogue and is doing all this on His own or because someone gave Him the idea. They demand to see His credentials.

The Power to Rule and Act

The key word in this passage is “authority.” This is the Greek word εξοθσια/exousia. It actually shows up four times in just seven verses in the original language.

The term describes a right, jurisdiction, license, the decision-making ability, and the power to rule and act.

Out of the Original Stuff

In his book “Jesus the King,” Tim Keller explains the literal meaning of authority as “out of the original stuff.” The term comes from the very same root as author. Keller says Christ has original rather than derived authority.

Think of it this way, Jesus has authority because He came up with the idea in the first place. Anyone else who has any authority at all gets it from Him (Rom 13:1-2; 1Pet 2:13-4; 1Tim 2:2).

If you’ve got any authority, you got it from God. So let’s not get too big for our britches. That’s the problem with these goobers. They want to know where Jesus gets off doing and saying what He wants without them signing off on it.

Asking God Hard Questions

Does this mean that we shouldn’t be willing to ask God hard questions? Absolutely not. Ever hear the story about the time Jacob wrestled with God (Gen 32:24-32)? I’m thinking that his Opponent was actually the preincarnate Christ

So was Jake some superstar wrestler who could hold his own against the Almighty? Not a chance. The Lord graciously ALLOWED him to do so. Kinda like when a dad plays on the floor with his preschool son.

In order to wrestle with the Lord, we must get close to Him. But in the end, we need to remember who we’re messing around with. And that means NEVER questioning or challenging His authority. To be clear, NOT like these guys are doing.

Demanding an Explanation

The leading priests, religious experts, and elders demand and answer. How in the world does an untrained, apparently self-appointed Rabbi from the boondocks claim He has the cred to come onto their turf and throw His weight around?

Twenty four hours after Christ cleans His Dad’s house, the folks who think they’re in charge of the joint aggressively demand an explanation for what He’s done. They’re calling into question everything He’s done, not just clearing the temple courts.

Eliminating the Threat

They’ve have the mistaken idea that they hold the exclusive heavenly franchise for everything that goes down at the temple. They see this upstart Outsider as a threat. It’s time to power up and crush Him once and for all.

And don’t think they learn their lesson after they kill Jesus and He comes strolling out of the cemetery three days later. This same bunch of religious bullies will try to do the same to Peter and John. (Acts 4:5-22). Yeah, they don’t have any luck that time either.

Answering a Question with a Question

Our Savior has a proposal for these religious big wigs. “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question. Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer Me!” (v29-30).

The Lord answers their question with a question of His own. This is one of Christ’s classic moves. In doing so, He puts these windbags on their heels.

David Garland points out that anybody with the guts challenge Jesus with hostility in Mark’s Gospel never get a straight answer. He puts them in a pickle. 

Repentance in the Boondocks

He wants them to evaluate John the Dunker’s authority as a test case for their opinion of His credentials. Garland writes that John’s baptism of repentance in the boondocks makes an end run around what goes on at the temple in the big city (Mk 1:4).

It was free. It didn’t cost a dime. Christ identifies what He’s doing with what John did. No temple required. This would NOT sit well with boys who are running it.

Was Jesus’ Baptism Legit?

This is also Jesus’ way of not-so-subtly asking if His own baptism by John is legit. If it carries no real weight and does not “come from heaven” (v30), then how do you discount heaven showing up in a big 

way when it happened (Mk 1:9-11)?

In other words, the Lord wants to know if they think John really was on a mission from God or simply some crazy, leather-wearing, bug-eating weirdo? Go ahead, boys. He’d love to hear your thoughts.

On Divine Assignment

The Son of God is poking His finger in their chest and demanding them to make the very same call on His authority as well. Is He on divine assignment from God or the simply the people’s choice? They’re in trouble whatever their answer.

Jesus’ question makes it clear that His credentials, just like John and his baptism, come straight from God.

John Mark’s Source

“Answer Me!” (v30). In the original language, He actually demands a response not once, but twice in verses 29 and 30. John Mark is the only one of Jesus’ biographers to include this confrontational detail (Mt 21:23-27; Lk 20:1-7).

Where does the author get this? From none other than Peter. The earliest believers understood the apostle nicknamed Rocky is Mark’s source.

Calling a Timeout

Like a basketball coach that realizes the momentum has turned and his team is trouble, these call a quick timeout. “They talked it over among themselves” (v31).

Quick! Huddle up! What in the wide world of sports do we do now?!? Let’s just say they never saw this coming. 

Going inside the Huddle

Mark takes us inside the huddle to hear what they have to say. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?” (v31-32).

Don’t you wonder how long this took? Cue the Jeopardy “think” music.

Worried about Their Image

But their real issue isn’t coming up with the right answer. They’re freaking out because of what folks will think about what they say. “For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believe that John was a prophet” (v32).

Chew on that for just a moment. They folks who think they’re in charge arrogantly question Christ’s authority while worried about their own image if they say the wrong thing. 

Fear of Man

Because public opinion is their primary concern, they’ve given away any shred of authority they may have had. It’s a little something experts like to call the fear of man. 

I suffer from a fear of man when I allow others to define who I am, what I’m worth, what I should do, and even how I should do it. In other words, I’ve put them in a position of authority in my life reserved only for God.

A Dangerous Trap

Jon Bloom says that fearing the disapproval of others “can immobilize us when we should take action, and gag us into silence when we should be speak.” Sound like the boys from the Sanhedrin as they try to figure out an answer?

That’s why the wisest man to ever live says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety” (Prov 29:25). 

People Pleasing or Serving Christ?

Prefer something from the New Testament instead? Sure. Paul tells Jesus’ followers in Galatia, “If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (Gal 1:10).

Bloom cuts to the chase. “We obey the one we fear.” God commands us to fear Him. That’s kinda scary until we realize that He’s the only One in the universe who will NEVER use our fear against us.

Their Final Answer

With the clock ticking and the Lord waiting, the priestly leaders, theologians, and elders finally come to a decision. Their final answer, “We don’t know” (v33). They don’t know?!? What a total crock. 

They actually have the guts to lie because of their fear of losing face among the people and their position of power. And you thought politicians came up with this tactic.

Evil Farmers

Since these knuckleheads won’t give the Son of God a straight answer, neither will He. “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things” (v33). 

The interesting thing is that Christ does tell them but He wraps His response in a story how some tenant farmers murder the son of the landowner. Folks call it the Parable of the Evil Farmers (Mk 12:1-9). 

Spoiler alert! The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders are the evil farmers!! You can probably guess how how that goes over. But that’s a story for another day. 

The Lord’s in Charge

Scripture makes it clear that the Sanhedrin are slow learners. These very same men try to do the very same thing by bullying the apostles so they will stop telling people about Jesus after His resurrection (Acts 5:27-28). 

That won’t work with Pete and the boys either. They know that when the Lord’s in charge, it’s all good no matter what. They stand strong and say, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29). 

Somebody Else’s Seat

So what do we do with all this? I’m glad you asked. First of all, we need to be very careful when it comes to ambition. Fighting for a spot in the C suite and the corner office just for the position of power so that others serve us will not end well. 

If and when we’ve arrived, Jesus may tap us on the shoulder to let us know that we’re sitting in His seat. His throne of authority is for Him and Him alone. 

Leveraging for Love

The Lord wants us to leverage positions of authority in order to love and serve others. We’re to follow His lead and do what He did.

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:43-45).

An Act of Worship

Second, we all submit to authority. You. Me. Us. Them. Paul tells his Ephesian friends that we do it as an act of worship. Or as The Message put it, “Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent toward one another” (Eph 5:21 The Message).

Third, there’s divine protection and blessing when we do what God tells us. He’s the greatest Dad the universe has ever known. He wants nothing but His best for us. Jesus’ kid brother says everything good we have is from our heavenly Dad (James 1:17).

Every Ounce of Authority

Nobody likes to be told what to do. This includes a lot of Jesus’ followers. That’s just what’s left of our sin nature that still wants us to rebel. 

Stop shaking your fist at heaven and questioning God’s authority. When we do, we’re really no different than the religious bullies who poked their fingers in our Savior’s face that Tuesday at the temple. And don’t want that, do you?

Let’s honor Christ’s credentials. In case you’re wondering what they are, He told His team that He has every ounce of authority in both heaven and earth (Mt 28:18). I’m pretty sure that beats anything you or I have.

©2020

Jay Jennings

Running in the Right Direction

Paul continues to untangle the mess left by those who have perverted what God began through him in the churches of Galatia.  False teachers rolled into the region perverting the Jesus' Gospel of grace right after Paul headed home.  

These spiritual snake oil salesmen not only sold the Galatians on a perverted gospel of "do better," but they also accused Paul of going rogue with no accountability to the "real" apostles.

He writes about a return trip to Jerusalem 14 years later (v1).  Paul had just referenced how he spent a couple of weeks there hanging out with Peter and James (Gal 1:18-20).  This first trip was three years after Jesus mugged him on the Damascus highway (Acts 9:3-6).  

This journey to Jerusalem is "after fourteen years."  This doesn't mean that he hasn't made other trips because he has (Acts 11:27-30; 12:25).  He and Barnabas were there to discuss famine relief efforts.  Paul doesn't mention that visit to the holy city here because it has nothing to do with his apostolic authority.

There's also the question of how to count the 14 years.  When do you start the clock?  It is either from his last visit or from the day Jesus saved him.  Scholars and theologians are split on the issue.  Since there is uncertainty, I don't think this is going to be on the final exam.

Paul makes this trip with two buddies, Barnabas and Titus.  Barney is the Cypriot Jew who vouched for Paul with the disciples after his conversion (Acts 9:27).  The dynamic duo teamed up for their legendary expedition that included Barney's home island of Cyprus as well as the region of Galatia (Acts 13:1-14:28).  This is before the two men had a falling out over taking Barney's cousin John Mark (Acts 15:36-40) for a return trip.

Titus is the third member of the three amigos who make the journey to Jerusalem.  As opposed to Paul and Barney, Titus isn't Jewish.  That's a big deal, especially on this trip.  We don't know exactly where Paul met his protege but it would certainly seem to be somewhere on that first trip to Galatia.  

He would be living, breathing, walking proof of what Jesus is doing among Gentiles around the world.  Titus would go on to be one of Paul's most trusted men.  He eventually send him to the island of Crete to provide crucial leadership to the churches there.  The apostle's letter instructing him is the book we call Titus.

Paul writes that the reason he makes this trip to Jerusalem is "because of a revelation" (v2).  Previously he was quite clear that he didn't check with anyone before beginning to preach because Jesus Himself revealed the Gospel to him (Gal 1:15-27).  He wasn't worried about what people said about him or thought about him (Gal 1:10).  

But this time God has tapped him on the shoulder and sends him on his merry way.  We don't read of this revelation from God to Paul anywhere else.  It could have been another personal appearance by the risen Jesus or at the urging of the Holy Spirit.  Both of Them guided and communicated with the apostle throughout his life.

Paul's purpose for going is to "set before them...the Gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles" (v2).  For some reason, God prompts the man from Tarsus to take time out from his ministry to meet with church leaders in Jerusalem.  This is basically a visit to the home office.  

This probably isn’t the same important meeting that Luke records in Acts 15.  Many folks mistakenly refer to this as the "Jerusalem Council" meeting.  It's probably better understood as the Jerusalem counsel.  These men got together to counsel each other and make sure they are proclaiming the same message of grace and salvation.

Paul tells the Galatians that he met privately with "those who seemed influential" (v2).  He uses this phrase and something very similar in verses 6 and 9.  This would be the Apostles Peter and John as well as Jesus' brother James (v9).  

According to John MacArthur, this phrase is a way to refer to people in authority or position of honor.  This was also a direct slap in the face of the Gospel perverts who preached a counterfeit message to the Galatians.  

The Apostle Paul sat down with the leaders at the home office and compared notes.  He had spent the past 14 years telling everyone about Jesus, both Jews and non-Jews.  It was crucial to do this "in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain" (v2).  This was good not only for Paul but for Peter, John and James as well.

Paul describes his work like running a race.  Twice here he uses the Greek verb τρεχω/trecho.  It means to rush forward, run or sprint.  There are sad stories of runners making the wrong turns while competing in marathons and 10ks.  They exert all of the effort but it's wasted because they failed to follow the course.  

That's what Paul is describing here.  God nudged him to meet with these three church leaders in order to make sure he was running in the right direction.

This is a great reminder to any of us.  I may think I've heard from Jesus, but I need to be accountable.  I need to check with folks and make sure that I'm running in the right direction.  These meetings are essential to running the race that Jesus has laid out before me.  And it may be important for those with whom I meet.

Let's stay on course. 

©2012

Jay Jennings

Election Analysis

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (v13-15).


One hundred percent of the precincts are in. States have been called. A winner has been called. There are just as many cheers as there are tears. For the next few days, political pundits try to make sense of what just happened.

But when it comes to real election analysis, forget the major networks. Don’t grab the remote and go to CNN or Fox. The best breakdown of what went down at the ballot box actually comes from a former commercial fisherman from the boondocks of Galilee 2,000 years ago.

Peter tells us to simply take a deep breath, remember Who is really in charge, and be good citizens. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it ice to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (v13-15).

I can just hear Pete’s 21st Century critics now. Whoa, big fella! Back up the truck!! You clearly don’t have a handle on what’s at stake here. National security! Immigration! The economy! The Supreme Court! I appreciate the schmaltzy religious sentiment, but this will NEVER work in the real world!! EVER!!!

We all need just cool our jets and check out the historical context of just when, where, and to whom our man Pete is writing. Set the Flux Capacitor for AD 64. The location is northern half of what we know today as Turkey. The followers of Jesus were the objects of tremendous political and social prejudice and persecution. One of the reasons they are living in the areas of Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia is because they are religious refugees. 

You see this is about this same time that Nero would point his fiddling finger at innocent Christ followers for starting the huge fire that destroyed much of Rome. Yet both Pete and his buddy Paul tell their readers to be good citizens despite the ruthlessness of the Roman Empire.

A LOT of fellow believers are freaking out about various elected officials, both local and national. I can’t quite squint hard enough to see that our current political leaders are worse than dudes like Nero, Herod, and Pilate. Does our nation have its issues? You betcha. But how much better off would we be if Jesus’ followers spent more time being good citizens, loving our neighbors, and less time whining about the government. That includes me.

First and foremost, Pete tells us, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake” (v13). He gives us a command using the Greek word ‘υποτασσω (hupotasso). The term literally means to put one thing under another or arrange below. In this case, it means to willingly obey, be under authority, or put yourself into an attitude of submission.

The dude Jesus called Rocky is commanding us to submit. Uh oh. It’s the “S” word. And no, Sean Connery, I don’t mean “sword.” Pete drops this word six more times in this little letter. Workers must “be subject (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso) to your masters with all respect” (1Pet 2:18). That’s how he describes how wives are to respect their husbands (1Pet 3:1, 5). The apostle reminds us that even every single being is “in submission to (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso)” the resurrected Jesus (1Pet 3:22 NIV). The Rock makes sure the young bucks know their role and are “subject to (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso) the elders” (1Pet 5:5).

So I’m to “be subject” and willingly submit. Really? There’s gotta be a caveat. There must be a loophole. Surely Pete’s ONLY talking about leaders worthy of following. Right? RIGHT?!? Nope. We don’t submit because of the goodness of our leader but the Goodness of our Savior. We’re to be good citizens “for the Lord’s sake” (v13). In other words, my submission is actually an act of worship to Jesus.

As long as what I’m ordered to do does not cause me to sin, I’m to do what I’m told. This is all about submission to authority. When I obey anyone in authority over me with a willing heart, I’m expressing my love and gratitude to the One who saved me. This is the same principle Paul writes to the folks in Ephesus (Eph 5:22-6:9). It’s the same thing Paul teaches the Colossians (Col 3:17-4:1).

In many ways, the big idea is summed up in one simple phrase: “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17). Everything is to be done as an expression of worship and thanks to my Savior.  While I may be a citizen of heaven (Phil 3:20), God has placed me here in this time and place to shine His light and spread His salt.  One VERY important way of doing that is through my willing submission to authority the Lord has over me.

This speaks to the tension and relationship between Jesus as my Lord and my Savior.  Because He has rescued me, I obey Him as an act of gratitude. You may think you’ve simply bought the eternal fire insurance policy. But I’ve got news for you. It doesn’t really work like that. He’s our Savior AND Lord. When I place my trust in Who He is and what He has done, I also place my trust in the incredible goodness of His leadership. There’s no one more trustworthy and qualified than Christ. After all, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16). If I trust Him to save me, I can trust Him to lead me.

Just to make sure we’re paying attention, Peter points out that believers are to be good followers “to every human institution whether it be to the emperor as supreme or the to the governors as sent by him” (v13-14). Not most. Not some. Not just the Fed. Not just the state. Not just your local officials. Every. Human. Institution. Remember, Pete’s writing in the historical context of that wing nut Nero and his brutal Roman Empire.

Republican. Democrat. Libertarian. Conservative. Liberal. It just doesn’t matter. Whether your candidate won or lost, it would appear “every human institution” (v13) covers whoever takes the oath of office. What in the wide world of sports would Pete say all this? He gets to the bottom line when he writes “for this is the will of God” (v15). Take a deep breath. We’re good here. God’s got this. Jesus approves this message.

How many of us are always searching for God’s will for our lives? What does He want me to do? Well, His will here seems crystal clear. God calls me to be a good citizen no matter who’s in office. Politics don’t matter. They don’t even have to be good governors.  What does matter is that I’m to be a good citizen.

Ultimately, He calls me to be a good follower of whoever is in authority. Boss. Department head. Vice president. President and CEO. Campus pastor. Senior pastor.  That’s because we’re all under authority. We’re under THE Authority. Jesus. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m to sin if my ruling authority commands it.  That’s where we step off. Pete knows all about that. He and the apostles made it clear to the religious police that’s where they draw the line. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). In the meantime, one important way for me to express my worship to Jesus is by being a good citizen.  

What to do now? Step one: Turn off the TV. Step two: Pray for your leaders (2Tim 2:1-3). Yup. All of them. Step three: Read Psalm 146. (Hint: Focus on verses 3 and 4. “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”) Step four: Love God by loving your neighbor (Mt 22:37).