Authority / Respect

MARK 11:27 - 12:44

Introduction: We are nearing the time of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.  The hottest area of conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders was concerning authority and respect for that authority.  (11:27-22)  Jesus kept asserting his authority as the Son of God which challenged the authority of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Ultimately their authority murdered him; and his authority raised him from death.

I. Parable concerning authority and respect  12:1-12

   A. Man who planted the vineyard represents God

   B. Vineyard represents Israel   Isaiah 5:1-7

   C. Tenants represent the leaders

   D. Slaves represent the prophets, including John the Baptist

   E. Son represents Jesus

   F. Who had/has the final authority?

II. Spiritual vs political authority    12:13-17

   A. Why Pharisees and Herodians?

     1. Enemies

     2. They thought Jesus’ answer would offend one or the other, giving them reason to arrest him.

   B. The authority principle   vs.17

     1. God’s authority is higher

     2. Authority of government is assumed under God’s authority

III. The authority of Scripture    12:18-34

   A. Deuteronomy 25:5-6

   B. These Sadducees are like our modern materialists who think that this life is all there is.

   C. Jesus used the Scriptures that they claimed as authority to prove them wrong.

   D. Jesus says that Scripture is our moral and ethical authority.

Jesus proved his authority by answering their questions; now he affirms it by asking a question.

IV. What kind of authority does this Messiah have who is both David’s son and Lord?   12:35-37

   A. Since you scribes have such intelligence and knowledge of Scripture,          answer this question.

   B. Apparently they didn’t even try to answer it.

V. Authority of self-importance    12:38-40

   A. They wanted to be seen as having power (walk around in long robes)

   B. They wanted the privileges that come from power

     1. Greeted with respect

     2. Best seats

     3. Places of honor

   C. They used their power to hurt and take advantage of people (devour widows’ houses)

   D. They wanted to appear as religious (say long prayers)

   E. When things are ultimately made fair, they will be condemned

   F. Give some modern examples of the same kind of problem

VI. Lessons from these verses

   A. Jesus was hardest on the religious leaders because they were not fulfilling their responsibility  James 3:1

   B. “The world needs today not more proof of divine authority but more           obedience to the revealed will of God.”  Erdman

   C. If you accept the protection and privileges of a government, then you         should pay taxes.

   D. Scripture can be used to tell people they are wrong.   

   E. Some Scripture is of higher authority (more important) than others.

   F. Power struggles over authority usually end in problems.

Conclusion:  Truly religious people are not concerned with authority.  Like the poor widow (12:41-44) we give up everything and become totally dependent on God.  We will not struggle with Jesus over his authority to direct our lives.  And we will not struggle with each other over who has the right to tell us what to do or believe.