What does Mark 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Mark 11:28 concerns a confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders, specifically the chief priests, scribes, and elders, who question his authority.

They ask him, "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?" This verse occurs after Jesus has cleansed the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers, and disrupted the temple's commercial activities.

The leaders are challenging Jesus, demanding to know by what right he performs such actions and teaches with such authority.

Their question is both an accusation and an attempt to discredit him, as they likely expected that Jesus would not be able to cite a traditional source of rabbinic or priestly authority for his actions.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life.

It was also under the control of the chief priests and religious authorities, who held significant influence and power.

By challenging the practices in the temple, Jesus was, in essence, critiquing the religious establishment.

The question of authority was a critical issue in this context, as different groups vied for religious legitimacy.

In first-century Judaism, authority typically came from one's adherence to the Law of Moses, rabbinic tradition, or priestly lineage.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights the tension between human religious authority and divine authority.

Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and thus his authority supersedes that of the temple officials. His actions in the temple are seen as an expression of God's authority.

Some theologians suggest that this confrontation was an essential step toward the climax of the Gospel, where Jesus' true identity and authority as the Messiah are ultimately revealed through his crucifixion and resurrection.

Practical Applications

The questioning of Jesus' authority in this verse can prompt individuals to consider the sources of authority in their own lives.

For a modern application, believers can ask themselves whom or what they allow to hold authority over their actions and decisions.

It raises the importance of discerning whether one's authority figures reflect truth and divine principles.

Furthermore, it can challenge believers to live with integrity, following an authority that aligns with their faith, even when faced with societal or institutional pressure to conform.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:23-27: A parallel account where Jesus is also questioned by the chief priests and elders about his authority.
• Luke 20:2: Another parallel account of the same event.
• John 2:18-22: Where the Jews demand a sign to show Jesus' authority for his actions in the temple.
• Acts 4:7-12: Peter and John are questioned by the authorities regarding the power or name in which they performed a miracle.

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word authority is "ἐξουσίᾳ" (exousia), which can mean power, right, or authority.

"These things" refers to Jesus' teachings and his actions in the temple.

The emphasis on "these things" in the original Greek could indicate that the chief priests, scribes, and elders were primarily concerned with the specific actions Jesus had taken that directly challenged their authority and disturbed the status quo.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Cultural and religious comparisons can be drawn between this biblical account and other ancient narratives where individuals challenge the status quo or existing power structures. For example, in some Greek myths, figures like Prometheus act against the will of the gods to benefit humanity.

In a different religious context, the Buddhist tales of the Buddha's enlightenment could be compared to Jesus' challenge to the religious dogma of his time.

Scientific Perspectives

When trying to link this verse to scientific perspectives, it would be more about considering the psychological and sociological aspects of authority and influence rather than empirical science.

Studies in social psychology, for instance, could shed light on how authority figures are perceived and how they maintain control over groups.

However, this verse does not directly intersect with natural sciences.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have written on Mark 11:28:

• William Barclay notes that the religious leaders' questioning of Jesus’ authority was a tactic to trap him, as answering either with a claim to divine authority or remaining silent could potentially lead to accusations of blasphemy or expose him to public ridicule.
• John Calvin comments on the ingenuity of Jesus’ response, where he turns the question back on the questioners, asking about the authority of John's baptism.
• Matthew Henry sees in this confrontation an example of the hostility Jesus faced throughout his ministry and the challenge of doing God's work in the face of earthly authorities.

Henry further suggests that the courage of Jesus in this situation serves as a model for Christians facing persecution or confrontation for their beliefs.