Authority Parents in submission Players in charge Leaders above Happiness, rights, and circumstances rule

Authority I will obey if… Tell me why… Will you…if I… Nah…I don’t think so!

Mark 11:27-33 They came again to Jerusalem Mark 11:27-33 They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him,

and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?”

And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

“Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men. Answer Me “Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.” They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’

“But shall we say, ‘From men’ “But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet.

Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

A Third Visit First visit…observation (vs. 11) Second visit…correction (vss.15-17 Third visit…instruction (11:27- 13:2)

A Key Question The question of authority Why should we submit to you? Delegated authority? Acquired authority? Why should we submit to you?

“The characteristic of Jesus that…caused the greatest offense to his opponents was…his sovereign freedom and magisterial authority…

…the authority of Jesus…exhibits itself by his laying claim to prerogatives that otherwise belong only to God.” (Edwards, pg. 350)

What authority? …as the High Priest …to forgive sin …over the Law (especially the Sabbath) …over the spiritual realm (including Satan himself)

Question for a Question A common response…another question A correct answer WAS the answer

A Common Answer Fearing personal submission Fearing public opinion Feigning of Ignorance Rejection by the Savior

“In reality they are unwilling to know “In reality they are unwilling to know. To those unwilling to commit themselves, Jesus refuses to commit Himself.” (Edwards, pg. 353)

Don’t Miss the MARK There is no authority above Jesus’ authority. Creator Conqueror Sin Death

Don’t Miss the MARK Jesus does not now and will not ever commit Himself to those who won’t submit themselves.