2026-05-04 - B-Side - Mark 11:27-33
Today's text marks the beginning of six conflict stories showing genuine faith vs. false faith. It parallels the triumphal entry: welcoming him as King vs opposing his authority. The spiritual leadership of Israel has missed what the people see clearly.
v28... they challenge Jesus' authority. His authority struck people, amazed the crowds. He's not quoting the rabbis; he's speaking as God, with God's authority, as the arbiter of truth. He performed miracles and forgave sins! He himself is authority.
v29... the old religious guard didn't like John, so they didn't want to give weight to his words. Instead of genuinely inquiring of Jesus, they attempt to trip him up, showing they don't care about truth, just about finding an excuse to kill him.
George Washington held above all else the character of an honest man. To stand with the Lord Jesus is to stand with the truth, and against corruption and lies... and to be hated by the darkness. We are to be a people of the truth and hold our ground! We are to eschew tactics like what the Sanhedrin do here.
The Sanhedrin are the elite theological, intellectual, legal experts. They challenge Jesus on the basis that he has not earned the same credentials they have. People who are losing arguments will often make this appeal. If an idea is true, it will stand on its own merit, credentials or not!
So be anchored in the truth, the Word of God. Paul was happy that the Bereans checked what he said against Scripture!
The clergy here feel they have the authority over Jesus because of their institutional office. They're not questioning what he's said, but his right to say it because they, the governing board, haven't approved him to speak at the temple!
v30-32... Jerusalem has become the new Egypt; their hearts are hardened as Pharaoh's heart was hardened during the plagues. The Sanhedrin have become like Pharaoh! They walk in darkness and can't even tell where the light came from. Like Eli the high priest, they have become like blind guides.
Jesus rode to Jerusalem in peace... but because they've rejected him, they will be brought low and exposed.
We must be open to the teachings of the Lord, walk in the light as he is in the light, completely submit to his Word, and resist resisting him! If it opposes Christ, it has to go.