Click For Audio Version
What Authority
The Jewish Temple was the center of religious life and rules for the Israelites until the Romans destroyed it in about 70 CE.
The chief priests, scribes, and elders were considered the overall authority on all religious matters. In theory, they took that authority from the laws of Moses and were very proud of their spiritual purity.
Than came Jesus
Jesus taught the simple truths of God and had little patience for phony religion. When he spoke, it was with absolute authority.
The Jewish leaders wanted strict obedience to the traditions they had established around the laws God gave through Moses and the prophets. Therefore, they believed that they were righteous because they lived by the letter of the law.
After He had turned over the money changer’s tables the day before, they wanted to find some way to stop Him. He was rocking their boat, and they were afraid of losing their positions. They decided that it would be better if He was dead.
They want to find something they can charge Him with to get rid of Him. So when they see Him walking in the temple, they ask Him a leading question. They hope that He will break some religious law so they can charge Him.
27b And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”
He answers them with a question.
29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”
Jesus knew that they would not answer the question.
31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From men'”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. 33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.”
And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mark 11:27b-33 NKJV
Jesus knew they would kill him, but the timing had to be His.
His destination was the cross from the time of creation. However, his death had to fulfill all the prophecies before his death. Things had to happen and Jesus made sure they did.
Easter Links:
Palm Sunday; Monday, Jesus Knew; Tuesday, What Authority; Wednesday, Jesus Betrayed; Thursday Early, This Night; Thursday Late, He Prays Before The Arrest; Friday, Seven Sayings From The Cross; Saturday, Silent Saturday; Sunday, Resurrection Sunday