Mark 11:27-33

The authority of Jesus questioned Mark 11:27-33: Jesus was in the Temple teaching. The chief priests, scribes, and the elders wanted to know where He got His authority. They asked Him "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?" (Mark 11:28) They desired to embarrass Jesus by saying that He was neither God ordained or even qualified to preach. Therefore, they said that the people ought not to hear Him. Actually their questions were not bad, only their motives were bad. When something is taught by a preacher he should be able to give his authority for such teachings.

In response to their question Jesus asked, "Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?" (Mark 11:30) This was a question that could not be ignored. They refused to answer Jesus' question. They reasoned, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?" But shall we say, "From man'?" -- they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet." How can a man live with himself when he will not be honest to his own convictions? In a few short days the resurrection would prove once and for all times where Christ received His authority from!