Jesus Speaks about His Authority

Reference

Mark 11:27-33

Introduction

The leaders of the Jews wanted to stop Jesus teaching. So they tried to make him say something that was wrong.

They asked him a question. It was about the things that he had done. They asked who gave him authority for it. Perhaps Jesus would answer that his authority came from God. Then they could say that he was speaking bad things about God. But perhaps Jesus would say that he had his own authority. Then the people would not follow him.

Jesus understood what the leaders were trying to do. He did not give them an immediate answer. Instead, he asked them a question. It was about the authority of John the Baptist. They could not answer it. So Jesus did not answer their question.

Questions to ask

(v27)   Who were the people who asked Jesus a question?

(v27)   Why did they ask it?

(v28)   What 'things' was Jesus doing? (See Mark 11:15-18)

(v30)   Why did Jesus ask the leaders about John's baptism?

(v31)   How could the leaders answer Jesus' question?

(v32)   Why did the leaders refuse to answer Jesus?

(v33)   Why did Jesus refuse to answer? What would you think, when Jesus said this?

Something to do

Ask people in the group this question. Is it important to know where the authority of Jesus comes from?

Think about where the authority of the leaders of your Christian group comes from.

Think about what powers are important in the world.

Learn about what the Bible teaches about Jesus' authority.