Scripture: Mark 11:27-33

Intro

Jewish Leaders Challenge Jesus vv. 27-28

Jesus Asks a Question vv 29-30

Leaders Can’t Respond vv 31-33

Jesus’s Final Word v 33

Summary

The Jewish leaders were caught in a dilemma of their own making. They were not asking “What is true?” or “What is right?” but “What is safe?” This is always the approach of the hypocrite and the crowd-pleaser. It certainly was not the approach of either Jesus (Mark 12:14 ) or John the Baptist (Matt. 11:7–10). Jesus did not refuse to answer their question; He only refused to accept and endorse their hypocrisy. He was not being evasive; He was being honest.
Did you listen closely as Jake read Ephesians 1 for us earlier? God placed Jesus far above all other rule and authority and placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head of everything in the church. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of Lords and all authority belongs to him.

Take Aways

The only question that really matters in life is this: Who is Jesus Christ?
How you answer that one question makes all the difference for this life and eternity.
Have you accepted the statement: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life? Have you repented of your sins, accepted Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection as the only way to be forgiven and the only way to have peace with God? Do that today!
If you are already a believer, are guilty of hypocrisy? Do you say one thing and do another? Do you hold others to a higher standard than you live yourself?
Do you quickly judge other people and refuse to show them the grace and forgiveness God offers you?
Are you a people pleaser who cares more about what people think about you than what God thinks or says is right? Here are some symptoms: Trouble disagreeing, apologize constantly, too many things on your plate that others could be doing, uncomfortable when others disagree with you, avoid conflict at any cost, want people to always like you, more worried about what people think about you than what you think is right, hard time saying “no.”
Is trying to keep in step with public opinion more important to you than God’s truth and His standards?
In James 4:17 we have this powerful reminder: Whoever knows the right think to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Don’t avoid speaking the truth or standing up for what is right because it is not popular. In Ephesians 4:15 we are called to speak the truth out of love for others.