Authority

 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mark 11:29 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mrk.11.29.ESV

The religious leaders thought to trap Jesus by their questioning. They asked Him by what authority He did what He did. If He answered the honest truth that it was by His authority as the Son of God, they would accuse Him of blasphemy, and treason against Rome.

The religious leaders would eventually frame Jesus for blasphemy and treason, but at this stage He eluded them. Jesus shows that when people ask us less than straight questions, we don't have to give a straight answer. In fact, Jesus fired a question back at His enemies.

Jesus asked if the baptism of John the Baptist was from God or not. If they said yes, they would have to follow John's teaching, which leads to Christ Himself. If they denied it, there would be an uproar, because the people held John to be a prophet.

So the religious leaders refused to answer Jesus's question, and He refused to answer theirs. One of the lessons we learn though is that we cannot deny Jesus's authority, and we ultimately have to acknowledge it comes from God. Because of this, we should worship Him as the eternal Son of God, as He claimed to be.

'Our Heavenly Father, please help us to worship You as You deserve. May we acknowledge Your Son as the One You have given all authority to, delegated to us to make You known. In His name we pray, amen'

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