Says Who?
Mark 11:27-35
27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
I think it’s fair to say that everyone struggles at times to submit to authority. Just look at the average toddler and how fiercely they will fight for the control of their lives and choices. Humans seem to have an innate desire for control and will challenge anyone who seeks to claim authority over us.
Look at this encounter between Jesus and some religious leaders regarding the His authority. These three groups (chief priests, teachers of religious law, and elders) made up the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was a powerful group at the time. They had significant influence both religiously and politically. Jesus had arrived in Jerusalem and was shaking things up, challenging their authority and they were not happy. So unhappy, in fact, that they were plotting to kill Him.
Jesus comes in, cleans out the Temple, realigns the purpose, and starts using the Temple for what it was designed for to – teach God’s word. The Sanhedrin did not like this. They did not want to acknowledge Jesus’ authority and were looking for ways to trap and discredit Him.
The bible teaches that Jesus has been elevated to the place of supreme authority in every way. How do we respond when Jesus comes to rearrange our life? Scripture states that we are the temple of God and He has authority over us whether we acknowledge it or not. We may be tempted to rebel against Him and say, (often subconsciously) “By what authority are you doing all these things? This is my life and I am going to live it the way I want. Who do you think you are, Jesus!?”
Lord Jesus, we acknowledge our struggle for control and authority over our own lives. Help us to remember that You are the true and right authority over us, and help us to submit to You in every area. You are all-wise, all-powerful and all-loving, and there is no safer place than under the cover of Your authority.
Written by Shelley Witt