“Unmasking Authorities” [Remade, Gospel of Mark, part 3]
Text: Mark 11:27-12:27
January 26/27, 2013
Pastor Matt Erickson
“Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him
because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd;
so they left him and went away.” (Mark 12:12)
Jesus and His Authority (Mark 11:27-33)
- The chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders question the source of Jesus’ authority
- Jesus reveals the human tendency to use authority to control
Jesus and His Politics (Mark 12:13-17)
- The Pharisees and Herodians question Jesus’ approach to government
- Jesus reveals the human tendency to use authority as a way to trap people
Jesus and His Theology (Mark 12:18-27)
- The Sadducees question Jesus’ understanding of heaven and the resurrection
- Jesus reveals the human tendency to use authority as a competition about who is right
Jesus the Loved and Sent Son (Mark 12:1-12)
- The Vineyard
- The Owner
- The Tenants
- The Servants
- The Son
Discussion Questions:
- When you hear the word ‘authority’ what do you think of?
- This week, we continue our look at Jesus’ interactions in and around the Jerusalem temple. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read aloud Mark 11:27-12:27.
- This section of Mark’s Gospel is structured around Jesus’ interactions with different religious and political authorities. Take a moment to identify the authorities in each of the following sections: Mark 11:27-33; 12:1-12; 12:13-17; 12:18-27; 12:28-34 (we will look at this last section in greater depth in two weeks).
- Now, what would you say was the main conflict at the heart of Jesus’ conversation with the authorities in each of the following sections and how does Jesus deal with it: Mark 11:27-33; 12:13-17; and 12:18-27?
- In the midst of each of these conversations, what would you say was the underlying issue at the heart of each conflict between Jesus and the authorities?
- When looking at Mark 12:1-12 it is important to remember that this is not an allegory where every character and item has a spiritual meaning. Instead, it is a parable with one main meaning being conveyed. That being said, it is pretty clear from verse 12 that some of the characters represent real people. Who might the characters in this parable represent?
- What is Jesus saying about Himself through this parable?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.
Next week we will continue in the Gospel of Mark by looking at Jesus’ words about the Temple and the times to come in Mark 13:1-37. To prepare for next week’s message, please read that Scripture passage ahead of time.