11:27–33 With this incident we are introduced to a longer passage concerned with Jesus’ conflict with the authorities in Jerusalem (11:27–12:44). The Jewish leaders demand to know the nature of the authority by which Jesus does his works (vv. 27–28). The these things (v. 28) about which Jesus is questioned are no doubt his attack on the temple business and his condemnation of the priestly leaders described in 11:15–19. From the standpoint of the Jewish leaders, it is a matter of reproaching this arrogant Galilean for his daring to criticize the august position of the high priest. From the standpoint of Mark, it is another example of people confronted with Jesus’ authority being unable (and unwilling) to perceive the true nature of his mission.

The authority of Jesus is a major theme in Ma…