A Question for a Question: Mark 11:27-33

They came in official delegation—chief priests, teachers of the law, elders. The Jerusalem power structure, united in their demand:

"By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you authority to do this?"

These things. The triumphal entry. The temple cleansing. The teaching that drew crowds. They wanted credentials, authorization, a paper trail. Who ordained you? What institution backs you?

Jesus offered a trade: "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!"