A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 11:27-33)

“They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you authority to do this?’ Jesus replied, ‘I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!’” (See Mark 11:27-33 for full text)

In Mark 11:27–33 Jesus responded to the religious leaders’ question regarding the basis of his authority. He could have answered their question outright but instead chose to give them a veiled answer via a counter question. “Answer me,” Jesus said, “and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” It was a merciful response; Jesus invited the religious leaders to reconsider their reality. By answering the question correctly, they would realize that they were coming against God. Arresting their attention on this fact, Jesus pointed them towards their real problem. In fact, their discussion among themselves and response to Jesus reveals just that. “We don’t know,” they answered. The religious leaders clearly feared the people, revealing the basis of their authority. On the other hand, Jesus and John the Baptist received authority from their Audience of One.

KEY QUESTIONS: Does defending myself take priority over helping others? Who needs me to point them toward the light by exposing their darkness? Do I enjoy pointing out where others are wrong and I am right or do I have genuine concern for their condition?