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Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was
walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the
elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you
doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?”
Mark 11:27–28
Jesus and His disciples were in Jerusalem for Passover, which would
culminate in His death. In the preceding months, Jesus prepared His
disciples for this final journey, telling them three times that He
would be handed over in Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise again.
Each time, the disciples failed to grasp the full meaning of His
words.
The week began with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The
next day, Jesus drove the money changers, merchants, and others out
of the Temple. As the week progressed, hostilities grew. Today,
Jesus is confronted by the chief priests, scribes, and elders.
Later in the week, He will face opposition from the Herodians,
Pharisees, and Sadducees. Each of these groups held significant
civil and religious authority within the Jewish community.
The chief priests oversaw Temple worship. The scribes were experts
in Jewish Law. The elders were respected lay leaders within the
community. The Herodians were politically motivated supporters of
Herod and Roman rule. The Pharisees focused on strict observance of
the Law and oral traditions. The Sadducees denied beliefs, such as
the resurrection and angels, and cooperated with Roman authorities
to protect their positions.
While Roman authorities governed Jerusalem civilly, the religious
leaders held significant influence over the Temple and the
enforcement of Jewish laws, matters that were of little concern to
the Romans. The religious leaders could arrest people, but they
lacked the authority to execute anyone—an authority they ultimately
sought to use against Jesus. Tragically, they became icons of
hostility and evil as they persecuted the Son of God.
In today’s Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders
confronted Jesus: “By what authority are You doing these things?”
This challenge was likely in response to Jesus’ actions the
previous day when He cleansed the Temple. The tension and hostility
were palpable. The disciples were fearful, and those observing took
sides—some angry at Jesus, others concerned for what might happen
to Him.
Jesus’ disposition and response to these icons of hostility and
evil offer insight into how we must confront every diabolical
attack and temptation in our own lives. Jesus was calm, firm, and
fearless. He revealed their dishonesty, trickery, and evil intent
when He said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and
I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s
baptism of heavenly or human origin? Answer me.”
The religious leaders didn’t know what to say. Any answer they gave
would have revealed their malice and dishonesty, so they said, “We
do not know.” Jesus responded, “Neither shall I tell you by what
authority I do these things” (Mark 11:33). Jesus was not
intimidated and exposed their dishonesty.
Evil is always irrational and hostile. When we encounter the wrath
of others or witness it from a distance, we often find ourselves
thinking, “This doesn’t make sense!” And indeed, it doesn’t. Jesus
unmasked this irrationality and refused to be oppressed by it.
Though it led to further persecution, He faced it without fear. His
witness serves as the ideal model for us whenever we encounter
irrational anger, persecution, or hostility.
Reflect today on any hostility you might encounter. If it seems
senseless and leaves you feeling oppressed or fearful, turn to
Jesus as your guide. Hostile irrationality can arise from many
sources, even those close to us. We must resist the temptation to
return hostility with hostility, but neither should we give in to
fear. Our response must be rational, calm, and firm, just as Jesus
demonstrated. Our Lord’s witness should not only result in our
admiration and praise, but also in our imitation, relying on His
grace to confront evil as He did.
Most courageous Lord, You never allowed the anger and deception
of others to oppress You or fill You with fear. You faced every
evil with confidence and wisdom, unmasking its irrationality. Grant
me Your courage and wisdom as I confront the evils in my life, so
that I may live with confidence and security in Your grace. Jesus,
I trust in You.
Image: You cling to human traditions... by Lawrence
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