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5. Jesus’ Authority Questioned by the Highest Court of the Jews (Mark 11:27-33)
MARK 11:27-33
27 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 began saying to him, “By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?” 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 The baptism of John—was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.” 31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven;’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 If we should say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet. 33 They answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
The chief priests and scribes, who were the shepherds of the people became astonished and angry because a villager from Galilee interfered in the orders of the holy temple, and behaved as if he had authority and a sense of his own importance. However, they did not believe that his source was God himself, but tried to compel him to manifest himself in public, and to reveal his spirit clearly to them, for they were blind in their hatred, and did not recognize him who was born of the Spirit of God, though he was in the midst of them. They sensed his power, but did not know his truth.
So do not wonder, dear brother, if a fanatic leader, or a simple religious man did not know Christ, for the leaders of the old covenant also did not reason out the source of Christ’s authority, because their hearts were hard.
The Lord Jesus did not answer their question, but asked them, in his wisdom, a question which pricked them in their hearts, and forced them to answer him about the source of John the Baptist's teachings, and the meaning of his baptism. The leaders of the Jews themselves had already refused to acknowledge the Baptist who called out in the wilderness, supposing themselves not to be in need of repentance and regeneration. They had mocked his poor clothes, and laughed at him for calling for repentance, and did not understand that he was the only one who would prepare the way of the Lord, the coming King.
Sincere repentance is acceptable to the Lord, and conversion is necessary to receive eternal life. Are you still living according to human customs and earthly principles, or have you received a new heart through repentance, with tears for sins, and certain faith in the faithful Savior?
The glory of Jesus Christ will not appear to you unless you come near the cross, and receive the grace of forgiveness. Then you will be purified by his precious blood, and you will cry out: Thank you, thank you, High Priest. You are my Lord and my God. You have reconciled me to God with your precious blood, and purchased me with all other believers as your heavenly Father’s own. This very moment I know the source of Christ’s authority, which only appears to the faithful believer.
PRAYER: Thank you our Lord Jesus for you are the Son of God who has given us the rights of your sonship, we criminals and slaves of sin. You have mercy on us and you are patient with us. Sanctify us that we may know you more and more in your love, and testify to men who you are. You are true God from true God. Light from light, begotten, not created, in one essence with the Father. Amen.
QUESTION:
- Why did Jesus not declare the source of his authority to the delegation of the highest court of the Jews?