The Gospel of Mark
By what authority? Mk 11,27-33
The Greek word here translates as "authority" or "power". Earlier, Jesus' own villagers would not accept his authority (6,2); now in Jerusalem, it is the Jewish leaders who raise the question. From the first prediction of Jesus' fate (8,31) we know they will be hostile. As readers of the Gospel we were told right at the beginning that Jesus was the Son of God (1,1) so we already know where the origins of Jesus' authority lie. The crowds too accept the authority of Jesus (1,27) on the basis of what he said and did.
The two questions in verse 28 arise for the leaders because they regard themselves as the source of authority for the Jews. For them, Jesus is just an upstart.
Jesus' counter question in verses 29-30 asks them about the baptism of John the Baptist. That in its turn effectively questions the leaders' authority. Hence their dilemma in verses 31-32 which reveals them as thoroughly self-serving. Their attitude speaks for itself.
In verse 33 therefore, Jesus lets his authority speak for itself. The two questions he has been asked do not need or deserve an answer from him.
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