Jesus Questioned | Mark 11:27-33
Wednesday | November 18, 2020 |
Mark 11Jesus Questioned | Mark 11:27-33
By Krista Vaughn
Let’s talk about the big “A” word. No, not that one… I’m talking about AUTHORITY.
There are many types of authoritative figures: government, teachers, managers, bosses, parents. They regulate laws. They guide us through life. They provide jobs…but why do we struggle with authority? In a nation that encourages individualism, we have the tendency to defy authority, but is individualism the root of the problem? Not entirely. The main concern in individualism is when people lean towards the aspect of not wanting to live a life on other peoples’ terms. This is especially dangerous when we let that mentality bleed into our relationship with Jesus.
Now let’s talk about Mark 11:
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (See also, Matt. 21:23-27 and Luke 20:1-8)
In this passage, Mark mentions authority again. Again? Yes. How about a mini recap?
Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”
Mark 2:7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Mark 3:14-15 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons.
Mark 4:41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark cannot emphasize the authority of Christ enough. He has authority over all, including your life. “Most of us want enough teaching just to get by and remain in control of our lives. Jesus taught with authority because holiness is not up for debate. Jesus taught with authority because the gospel is not an opinion.” (The Fellowship.site)
Jesus taught with authority because the gospel is not an opinion.
So why authority? Not just because Jesus IS authority, but because He also GIVES authority. If we truly let go and let God, doesn’t that mean we should also respect the authority around us? We honor up, we honor down, and we honor all around, so let’s live a life on God’s terms.
(Additional Reading: Ray Stedman, The Fellowship, Preston Highlands Baptist Church)AuthorKrista Vaughn
