These verses entail a scene that raises one of the central issues both for christology and the Christian faith. Where is true authority to be found? It affects our understanding of God, Christ, the Bible, the role of the church and its tradition, and indeed the very substance of religion. In the historical context of the dialogue between the Pharisees and Jesus, the question is sharply framed: “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this
Mark 11:27–12:12