Show Don't Tell: Mark 11:27-33

Instead of saying "Jesus answered questions about his authority," watch the trap spring backwards. They arrive again in Jerusalem. While Jesus is walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders approach. "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you authority to do this?" They mean the cleansing. Jesus counter-questions: "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!" They huddle and discuss: if we say heaven, he'll ask why we didn't believe John. If we say human origin, the people will stone us—they all considered John a prophet. "We don't know," they answer. Jesus: "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." Their refusal to answer forfeits their right to an answer. They've trapped themselves.