It is now Tuesday in the Passion Week of Christ. Jesus goes back into Jerusalem (Mark 11:27) and is immediately challenged by the religious leaders of the day, “By what authority are you going these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” (see Matt. 21:23). These two questions set off a theological explosion since this is the epicenter of the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. Who a person believes Jesus to be will direct ones thinking as surely as an east or west wind will set my course in a sailboat. Jesus now begins to dismantle the life and practice of the Pharisees and religious leaders of the day in an effort to clearly expose them for what they are – counterfeits.

Round one: Jesus silences the Sadducees by exposing their ignorance (22:29-33).

Round two: The Pharisees seek to do to Jesus what he had done to the Sadducees – confuse and expose by asking questions regarding the Law of Moses (22:34-40). When they could not catch Jesus, He then takes the opportunity to ask them a question regarding the identity of the Messiah (22:41-45). Because the Pharisees had rejected Christ they could not see the Messiah was the one posing the question! The Pharisees are physically silenced because they are spiritually blind (22:46).

Round three: Jesus rails against the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees. Jesus sets out to expose the “religious leaders” (see Matthew 23:1-39).

After thoughts: As Jesus is leaving Jerusalem the disciples call attention to the Temple building and Jesus speaks to the coming judgment (see March 19 blog) because Jerusalem had rejected Christ as Messiah. Jesus then teaches on the character of the end times and specifically: “When will this happen” and “what will be the sign of you coming and the end of the age.” Chapter 24-25 is a record of end-times teaching.

Jesus then leaves Jerusalem and travels to Bethany (approx. 2.2 miles away) to spend time in the home of “Simon the Leper.” (see Mark 14:3).

As I read over these passages in the context of the last week of Christ, I am amazed at His focus and intensity. Jesus refused to be discouraged or dissuaded from following the road to Calvary. Take time to voice your adoration to Jesus and ask Him to lead you into the lives of people who desperately need Him today.

Also see Mark 11:27-Mark 13:37 for a parallel account.