How should Mark 11:28 influence our response to questioning Jesus' authority today? The Scene in Mark 11:28 “ ‘By what authority are You doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave You the authority to do this?’ ” (Mark 11:28) Key Observations • Religious leaders confronted Jesus in the temple courts after He cleansed the temple (vv. 15-17). • Their question revealed more than curiosity; it exposed hearts unwilling to submit to heaven’s authority. • Jesus’ response (vv. 29-33) turned the inquiry back on them, exposing their refusal to acknowledge John the Baptist—and ultimately, the Father—who testified to Christ’s authority. Why the Question Still Matters • Authority over truth and morality is fiercely contested in every generation. • When society or individuals ask, “Who says Jesus can command my life?” they echo the temple leaders’ skepticism. • Mark 11:28 calls believers to recognize the spiritual roots of such questioning and to respond with clarity and confidence, not defensiveness. Grounds for Christ’s Absolute Authority • Given by the Father: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) • Rooted in His divine nature: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) • Proven by His works: healing the blind (Mark 10:46-52), calming storms (Mark 4:39-41), rising from the dead (Mark 16:6). • Sustaining creation: “In Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17) How Mark 11:28 Shapes Our Response Today 1. Examine Motives • Are questions emerging from genuine seeking or from resistance? • Jesus welcomed sincere inquiry (John 3:1-21 with Nicodemus) but unmasked hostile skepticism. 2. Point to God-Given Credentials • Anchor conversations in Scripture’s testimony about Christ’s authority (e.g., Hebrews 1:1-3). • Emphasize fulfilled prophecy and the resurrection as objective evidence (Acts 2:22-36). 3. Stand Firm, Not Combative • Jesus’ calm counter-question modeled firmness without hostility. • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6) 4. Invite to Submission, Not Just Information • The real issue is surrender. Jesus ends debate by calling for repentance and faith (Mark 1:15). • Present Christ not merely as a teacher, but as Lord of all (Philippians 2:10-11). Practical Ways to Live This Out • Memorize key authority passages (Matthew 28:18-20; John 5:22-23) to answer confidently. • Share personal testimony of Christ’s lordship in daily decisions—authority applied, not abstract. • Engage culture with humility, acknowledging past misuse of authority while upholding Jesus’ flawless reign. • Pray privately for questioners’ hearts, remembering that conviction belongs to the Spirit (John 16:8). Anchoring Our Confidence “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) His authority is unchanging, uncontested in heaven, and ultimately unstoppable on earth. Mark 11:28 reminds us to recognize questions for what they are—opportunities to confess, explain, and celebrate the authority of our risen King. Closing Thoughts Rather than fearing challenges, let’s welcome them as doorways to declare that the One who cleansed the temple now cleanses hearts, ruling with power, wisdom, and grace. |
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