What is the meaning of Mark 12:24?

Jesus said to them

• Jesus steps into a theological debate with full divine authority. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18).

• His voice settles the matter, just as in Mark 1:27, where the crowds marvel that He “commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

• Listening to Jesus is never optional; it’s the difference between building on rock or sand (Matthew 7:24-27).

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Aren’t you mistaken

• Jesus identifies error without hesitation. The word “mistaken” underscores that sincere people can still be wrong (cf. Proverbs 14:12).

• In the parallel account, He adds, “You are mistaken” (Matthew 22:29), reinforcing that truth is objective, not relative.

• James 5:19-20 reminds us that turning someone back from error “will save his soul from death,” highlighting why confronting mistake matters.

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Because you do not know the Scriptures

• Ignorance of God’s Word produces theological confusion. Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

• Scripture is the infallible compass: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16).

• Psalm 119:105 testifies, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” underscoring that clarity comes only when we actually know what God has written.

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Or the power of God?

• Failure to grasp God’s power limits faith. Jeremiah 32:17 declares, “Nothing is too difficult for You.”

• Jesus is answering a question about resurrection (Mark 12:18-27). The same power that raised Christ (Ephesians 1:19-20) will raise believers (Romans 8:11).

• When Scripture and divine power are both understood, resurrection is no stretch at all; it is the logical outworking of who God is.

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summary

Mark 12:24 is a gentle yet firm rebuke: error springs from neglecting two realities—Scripture and God’s omnipotence. Jesus, speaking with ultimate authority, calls us to know the Word thoroughly and trust God’s limitless power. When these twin anchors hold, confusion disappears and confident faith flourishes.