Mark 11:27-33 (ESV)
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.”
Questions for Reflection
1. What are some examples of authority?
2. In what ways should a Christian’s values differ from those of "the experts"?
3. How did the religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority? (11:28)
4. What do Jesus’ actions tell you about His attitude toward the religious leaders of His day? (11:28-33)
5. How did Jesus answer the challenge put to Him? (11:29-33)
6. What were the priorities of the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders who confronted Jesus?
7. In what ways do human authorities challenge God’s authority?
8. How can we ensure that we follow God’s authority rather than the "authorities" who challenge His Word?
9. When have you ever questioned God’s authority in your life?
