Mark 11:28
And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Mark 11:28 (KJV)
Context
Jesus had just entered Jerusalem in triumph, cleansed the temple, and healed the blind and lame within its courts. The chief priests, scribes, and elders—likely members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council—confronted Him in the temple and demanded, “By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?” Their question was not a neutral inquiry. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple threatened their economic interests, since they profited from the money-changing and animal sales there. They wanted to trap Him, not to learn from Him.
The Greek word translated “authority” is exousia, meaning delegated power or right. The leaders’ second question, “who gave thee this authority?” reveals their assumption that all true authority must come from an external source—either human or divine. They were asking whether Jesus acted by human commission or by God’s appointment, and they expected Him to incriminate Himself either way.
Meaning
Jesus’ authority is a central theme in the Gospel of Mark. Throughout His ministry, He taught with unmatched wisdom, cast out demons, calmed storms, healed the sick, and raised the dead. These acts were not merely displays of power; they were signs that His authority came directly from God. The religious leaders, who held positions of authority in the Jewish community, were troubled because Jesus disrupted their traditions and challenged their control. Their question exposed their hearts: they were not sincerely seeking truth but protecting their own positions and reputations.
Jesus’ response, recorded in the following verses, turns the tables. He asks them about John the Baptist’s baptism—whether it was from heaven or from men. This put the leaders in a dilemma because the people regarded John as a prophet, and they feared the crowd’s reaction if they denied his authority. By posing this question, Jesus subtly highlighted their hypocrisy and their unwillingness to answer truthfully. He also indirectly asserted His own divine authority, for John had testified that Jesus was the Son of God.
Biblical connections
The same challenge appears in Matthew 21:23 and Luke 20:2, where the leaders ask, “By what authority doest thou these things?” Luke adds that they asked, “Who is he that gave thee this authority?” indicating their desire to know whether His authority came from God or man. These parallel accounts confirm that the question was a deliberate test, not a genuine search for understanding.
Application
This passage challenges us to examine the source of spiritual authority in our own lives. Human religious authority is derived and accountable, but Jesus’ authority is inherent and directly from God. We are called to approach Him with humility and a sincere desire for truth, rather than protecting our own interests or preconceived notions. The religious leaders’ pride and fear of losing control hindered them from recognizing Jesus. When we submit to His authority, He cleanses our hearts, forgives our sins, heals our wounds, and guides us in righteousness.
Jesus’ authority also calls us to reassess our own traditions and structures. Just as the leaders were challenged to reconsider their understanding of authority in light of Jesus’ teachings, we should be willing to evaluate our beliefs and practices by the truth of God’s Word. His authority extends to every area of life, and recognizing it leads to transformation by His grace.
Reflection
Mark 11:28 reminds us that Jesus did not operate by human commission but by divine right. The question posed by the religious leaders echoes in every generation: will we acknowledge His authority, or will we, like them, resist it to protect our own standing? May we respond with humility, recognizing that Jesus is the Son of God and submitting to His lordship over all things.
