THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS

Introduction:

A. The Asking of Questions

1. Can be done for good reasons - to gain knowledge and understanding.

2. Can be used for bad reasons - to entrap, belittle, etc.

B. The Religious Leaders

1. Questions were asked for bad reasons - to entrap Jesus.

2. Yet, they were good questions!

Body: Mark 11: 27 - 33

I. Return to the Temple.

A. The day before "cleansed" the Temple.

B. He is confronted by leaders of the people.

C. Implies the Temple was still returned to order.

II. The Authority of Jesus

A. Two Questions

1. By what authority - what law or proclamation.
2. Who gave that authority - who made this law.

B. The Answers not given

1. Was given the day before (v. 17) - Scripture was the authority and it was given by God.
2. John 5: 26, 27 = given authority by God.
3. Matthew 28: 18 - 20 = By Jesus’ authority and it is given to Him by God.

III. The Reply of Jesus

A. Questions them in return.

B. Was John’s Baptism from God or heaven?

C. Two Glimpses into Their Hearts.

1. They were leaders who were led by the popular opinion of the people.
2. They did not believe John to have been a prophet.

D. Jesus refuses to answer a "loaded" question.

Conclusion:

A. How Do We Come to the Word of God?

1. Approach with questions to understand more fully?

2. Seek to prove we are right?

3. Putting forth an appearance for others?

B. What Will We Glean From God’s Word?

1. What we want?

2. What we need?