How does Mark 11:28 connect with Jesus' authority in Matthew 28:18? The Question in the Temple (Mark 11:28) “ ‘By what authority are You doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave You this authority to do them?’ ” • Religious leaders confront Jesus after He cleanses the temple (Mark 11:15–17). • Their two-part challenge: – “What is the source of Your authority?” – “Who commissioned You?” • Behind the question lies skepticism that any human could possess divine prerogative. The Answer Declared (Matthew 28:18) “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.’ ” • Post-resurrection, Jesus states plainly what He had implied all along. • Scope of authority: – “Heaven” – spiritual realm, angels, eternal realities (cf. Philippians 2:9-11). – “Earth” – nations, history, individual lives (cf. Revelation 1:5). • Source of authority: granted by the Father (cf. John 5:22-27). Connecting the Two Passages 1. Same theme, different settings • Mark 11:28 – Authority questioned. • Matthew 28:18 – Authority affirmed. 2. Progressive revelation • Jesus withholds a direct answer in Mark 11 (see vv. 29-33) because His hour had not yet come (John 7:30). • After the cross and empty tomb, the full revelation of His authority is unveiled (Romans 1:4). 3. Vindication through resurrection • The crucifixion seemed to invalidate His claims (Mark 15:29-32). • The resurrection validates them, culminating in Matthew 28:18 (Acts 2:32-36). 4. Fulfillment of prophecy • Daniel 7:13-14 foretold a Son of Man receiving dominion and everlasting kingdom. • Jesus applies this prophecy to Himself in Matthew 28:18. Biblical Trail of Christ’s Authority • Teaching: “He taught them as one having authority” (Matthew 7:29). • Forgiving sin: “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10). • Commanding creation: “Even the wind and the sea obey Him” (Mark 4:41). • Defeating demons: “He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” (Mark 1:27). • Giving eternal life: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish” (John 10:28). Why the Connection Matters • Confidence in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) flows from the settled question of Jesus’ authority. • Assurance in prayer: we approach the Father “in Jesus’ name” because His authority spans heaven (John 14:13-14). • Obedience: His commands carry divine weight; disciples obey with joy (John 15:10-11). • Hope: the One who holds “all authority” also holds the future, guaranteeing victory over sin, death, and every rival power (1 Corinthians 15:24-27). |
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