Authority

N.T.#410 "Authority"

Oct. 17, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Confrontation. Jesus didn't mind answering the questions, which were asked to trap Him by the scribes,  priests. and elders of the Temple. This time they questioned by what authority Jesus did things and who gave Him that authority. Jesus knew they did not accept Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. the religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus with a question that would show Him to be either a blasphemer or a weird fanatic. 

So Jesus said He would answer their questions after they answered His question first: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? (verse 30)

The religious leaders reasoned among themselves. (verse 31) It waws a catch 22. If they acknowledged John's ministry as genuinely God-ordained, they would have to explain why they opposed him, and why they assented to his execution by Herod Antipas. Also, they would have to agree with John the Baptist that Jesus is the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)(Swindoll)

those guys di not stand up for John the Baptist or tried to get him released. John had irritated them just as Jesus was doing. They were not looking for the truth. Thes religious leaders were only concerned about position and reputation. They were in darkness, as John said in John 3:19.

On the other hand, if they denounced John's baptism as human origin, they would stand in opposition to popular opinion, which affirmed John as a genuine prophet. So their answer was that they cannot tell. What a copout! Startling the fence. They were in a no-win scenario.

So many people who are Christians will not take a stand against abortion and homosexuality because it might make enemies mad. They don't say anything about those opposing the biblical truths and they are sinful actions.

Where do you stand?

LET IT GROW 

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by l by what authority I do these things. (verse 33)

Those priests and scribes refused to admit that Jesus is God and would not honor Him, nor admit Jesus has authority to clean up the Temple, His Temple from the sinful practices.

Who do you believe Jesus is? Is He your Savior, King, Lamb of God, Son of God?

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil.2:10-11)

Jesus is the way, the truty, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Him. (John 14:6)

LET IT GO

Help us stand for Your Word and Truth, Jesus.