What Jesus Did! 'By What Authority?' — Mark 11:27-28

The apparent religious leaders demanded that Jesus, the true spiritual leader, answer their questions about his authority! Before Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, it was natural for them to ask their questions because the Temple and all things religious were their domain. They were the respected authorities. They supposedly were motivated by the best interests of Israel and the preservation of their religious institutions. In light of their rejection of Jesus, the crucifixion of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus, their question about Jesus' authority becomes silly. How dare they challenge the one who has the power over life and death? How dare they doubt the religious authority of the one for whom God demonstrated his approval and love? So the real question for you and me today is this: "On which side of the cross and resurrection do I view Jesus?" Hopefully we view him on the side where not only do we see Jesus' authority, but we also have responded to that authority with appreciation, admiration, and obedience.