Big Idea: In 11:27–12:34 Jesus responds to a series of questions and challenges from the religious leaders. Jesus answers their first two challenges, concerning the source of his authority (11:27–33), and then he goes on the offensive, using an allegorical parable to accuse them of plotting to kill him (12:1–12).

Understanding the Text

The central event on Tuesday of passion week is a series of five controversies that take place in the temple court. This event has two foci: (1) the leaders are trying desperately to prove Jesus wrong before the crowds, to show his true ignorance of Torah; (2) Jesus is fleshing out the meaning of his clearing of the temple the previous day. The authority of Jesus’s word continues (see 1:21–22, 27), and the ignorance and obduracy of the leaders are proven o…