GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
By what Authority? Mk 11,27-33
In 11,27, Jesus enters Jerusalem and goes to the Temple. As we have seen, he now stays in the Temple until his departure in 13,2. We will look at this visit to the Temple more closely when we have our overview of chapter 12.
This first episode of the visit though is in this chapter, 11,27-33. It is concerned with the fundamental theme of the authority or power of Jesus.
For those who approach Jesus in verse 27, see 8,31. What does that tell us about them?
Note the two questions asked in verse 28. What is the source of authority for the questioners. For Jesus, this theme which has arisen earlier in the Gospel, look back to 6,2. See also 1,27. Where do we as readers stand in regard to this?
Jesus duly asks a question in return in verses 29-30. Why is Jesus willing to state his authority if they answer his question? What is Jesus in effect asking about John?
Verses 31 and 32 then express the questioners' dilemma. What is their underlying concern?
How is Jesus vindicated in verse 33?
We can now take a look at my response.
We can now move on to chapter 12 and the other encounters of Jesus in the Temple.