The Authority of Jesus Questioned

Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
March 30, 2010

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. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men'...." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." - Mark 11:27-33

Why was Jesus’ authority questioned? People could not decide whether His authority was from heaven or from man. Jesus had asked that question. If they said His authority was from heaven then He would ask them why didn’t you believe in Me. But if they said His authority came from man the authorities feared the people for all counted Him as important as John.

So, by whose authority does Jesus do these things? Is His power from man or from God? Consider His works. Consider His words. Think about it. There has been no one like Him. He is the one who has come to bear your sin and carry you making every burden light.

Elliot Gehres

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s passion that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever.

Collect for Tuesday of Holy Week Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis