Mark 11:28 – “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders confront Jesus in the temple courts, demanding to know where His authority comes from. They want to understand how Jesus can justify cleansing the temple (Mark 11:15-17), teaching the people, and performing miracles. Their question isn’t sincere—they aren’t truly interested in learning the truth. Instead, they are trying to trap Jesus, hoping He will say something they can use against Him to discredit Him or accuse Him of blasphemy.
Their question highlights the central issue of Jesus’ ministry: His authority comes from God, but they refuse to recognize it. Throughout His ministry, Jesus didn’t follow the religious establishment’s system, and He didn’t need their approval to act. This challenged the leaders, who were used to being the gatekeepers of religious authority. By questioning Him, they reveal their hardened hearts and unwillingness to accept who He truly is.
Historical Context
The religious leaders were responsible for maintaining order in the temple and teaching the Jewish people about God’s law. They had significant influence and control, and they were accustomed to people seeking their approval for religious matters. Rabbis and teachers often gained authority by being trained under respected scholars or by holding positions within the religious system. Jesus, however, did not follow this path. His authority came directly from God, as demonstrated by His miracles, teaching, and fulfillment of Scripture.
By the time of this confrontation, the religious leaders already felt threatened by Jesus. His cleansing of the temple was seen as an attack on their authority and a challenge to their leadership. They hoped to undermine His influence by questioning His credentials and exposing Him as a threat to the religious system.
Theological Implications
This verse raises an important theological question: Where does true spiritual authority come from? The religious leaders believed that authority came from human traditions, positions, and formal education. But Jesus demonstrates that real authority comes from God, not from human institutions. His authority is rooted in His identity as the Son of God, and it is demonstrated through His teaching, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy.
This passage also highlights the danger of spiritual pride. The religious leaders were so focused on protecting their power that they couldn’t see the truth standing right in front of them. Their hearts were hardened, and their pride blinded them to Jesus’ divine authority. This serves as a warning against relying on human systems or achievements to define spiritual authority.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s Gospel often uses confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders to highlight key moments of tension and truth. The question posed by the leaders (“By what authority?”) is at the heart of the conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment. The structure of the question, which includes a demand for both the source and the giver of Jesus’ authority, reflects their attempt to corner Him.
Mark’s placement of this question immediately after the cleansing of the temple underscores its significance. The leaders aren’t just questioning Jesus’ actions—they’re questioning His right to challenge their system. The word “authority” is central to this passage and is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels, emphasizing that Jesus’ mission was not just to teach but to demonstrate God’s authority on earth.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 28:18 – After His resurrection, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
- John 5:26-27 – Jesus explains that the Father has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.
- Luke 4:32 – People are amazed at Jesus’ teaching because He speaks with authority, unlike the teachers of the law.
- John 10:18 – Jesus says that He has the authority to lay down His life and take it up again, given to Him by the Father.
- Isaiah 9:6 – A prophecy about the Messiah who would come with the authority to rule and establish peace.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges Christians to reflect on where they place their trust and how they recognize spiritual authority. Do we look for human credentials, or do we recognize God’s authority working through His Word and Spirit? Jesus’ authority wasn’t validated by human approval, and this teaches us that God often works in ways that go beyond human expectations.
It also calls us to examine our response to Jesus’ authority. Like the religious leaders, we can be tempted to resist His authority when it challenges our comfort or traditions. But true faith means surrendering to Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives and trusting Him to lead us, even when it’s uncomfortable.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that He sent Jesus with the authority to teach, heal, and ultimately save humanity. The religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus didn’t stop God’s plan of redemption. Despite their opposition, Jesus continued His mission to demonstrate God’s love and truth.
God’s love is also evident in the way He allows people to question Him and seek answers. Although the religious leaders’ motives were wrong, Jesus didn’t dismiss their questions. Instead, He used the confrontation to reveal the truth about His authority and God’s plan for salvation. This shows that God is patient and willing to engage with those who have doubts or questions.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ identity as the one with divine authority. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates authority over nature (calming storms), sickness (healing the sick), sin (forgiving sins), and even death (raising the dead). His authority is proof of His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God.
Ultimately, Jesus’ authority would be fully revealed through His death and resurrection. The religious leaders questioned His authority, but His resurrection proved that His authority was not only legitimate but eternal. After His resurrection, Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him (Matthew 28:18), showing that His mission was complete and His authority undeniable.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond when Jesus’ authority challenges your personal plans, comfort, or traditions?
- In what ways do you see people today questioning or rejecting Jesus’ authority? How can you respond to those challenges with grace and truth?
- How can you discern true spiritual authority in your life, whether in church leaders, teachers, or others?
- What does it mean for you to submit to Jesus as the ultimate authority in your daily decisions and relationships?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection affirm His authority and give you confidence in His leadership over your life?