By What Authority?
TRANSLATION
(27) And they entered Jerusalem again. And while Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, teachers of the Law, and elders came (28) and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” (29) Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. (30) The baptism of John – was it from heaven or of human origin? Answer me!” (31) And they discussed this among themselves saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ (32) But if we say, ‘Of human origin…’” – they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to be a prophet. (33) Then they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
OBSERVATIONS
Mark repeated three phrases in this segment for emphasis. “By what authority are you doing these things” appeared three times (in vss. 28, 29, & 33). Both “from heaven/from man” occurred twice (vss. 30-32) as did Jesus’ compelling command, “Answer me” (vss. 29 & 30). John the Baptist’s name was also used twice (vss. 30 & 32). Jesus responded to the Jews’ demand for proof of his authority by questioning them about the baptism of John. While he never answered their inquiry directly, his skillful handling of their frontal challenge and their failure to respond to his question served as powerful demonstrations of his undeniable authority.
OUTLINE
I. The Jewish leaders challenged Jesus with a question regarding his authority. (27 & 28)
II. Jesus responded to their questioning with a question of his own. (29-33a)
III. Jesus refused to answer their question because they would not answer his. (33b)
IDEA STATEMENT
Jesus established his authority over the Jewish leaders by responding to their question about his authority with a question that left them without an answer.
APPLICATION
Jesus’ ability to handle every challenge to his authority in his confrontations with the Jewish leadership demonstrated the veracity of his claim to being Israel’s Messiah. In this section of Mark’s Gospel, his enemies unsuccessfully tried several approaches to discredit him. Each one failed miserably. Whether direct or indirect, overt or subtle, their perverse challenges all resulted in his proving his ability to overcome their cleverest efforts, thus demonstrating his authority. The words of a well-known spiritual come to mind as we consider this aspect of Jesus’ ministry:
He is King of kings! He is Lord of lords!
Jesus Christ, the first and last, no man works (speaks) like him.
As we consider the supremacy Jesus demonstrated in these confrontations where his authority was questioned, we should respond with an attitude of wonder regarding the one who alone deserves our worship. More than that, we should seek to adopt his approach as we have opportunity to declare his claims to others. While we may never hope to imitate his brilliance in our answers to those who doubt his authority, we can trust the words he gave to his disciples later on: “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit” (Mk. 13:11).