They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
Mark 11:27-28 NIV
The temple in Jerusalem was at the heart of Jewish religious life during the time of Jesus. And the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders were in control. Nothing took place there without their authority and permission.
To them, Jesus was nothing more than a troublesome itinerate rabbi stirring up the crowds and causing problems for them in the surrounding country. But now he had come to Jerusalem and was teaching in the temple. Without their permission. And so they challenged him. Who gave you the authority to overturn the money changers’ tables, disrupt commerce, and teach in the temple courts?
Jesus’ authority had the same two possible sources he mentioned concerning John’s baptism (Mark 11:29-30). It could have had a human origin, in which case he should have submitted to the temple authorities. Or it could have had a heavenly origin. And in that case, he did not need their permission.
Jesus’ authority was heavenly in nature. It derived both from his nature as the Son of God and his commission from the Father. As Jesus later told his disciples, all authority in heaven and earth had been given to him (Matt. 28:18). That included authority over the earthly temple. And it now includes authority over his church and the people who make it up. He is Lord and God (John 20:28). And submission to his authority is the only reasonable response I can make to who he is.
