April 12, 2025

Day 103 Questioning Authority | Mark 11:27-33

Day 103 Questioning Authority | Mark 11:27-33
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Season 2

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Have you ever noticed how some people ask questions not to understand, but to trap or undermine? Today's exploration of Mark 11:27-33 reveals a fascinating confrontation where religious authorities challenge Jesus about his authority—not from genuine curiosity, but with hostile intentions.

Jesus responds with brilliant wisdom by posing a counter-question about John the Baptist that exposes their true motives. When forced to consider whether John's baptism came from heaven or human origin, the leaders find themselves in a dilemma: admit the divine source (which validates Jesus) or deny it (and face public backlash). Their non-committal "we don't know" reveals everything about their dishonesty and political calculations.

This powerful scripture reminds us that questioning is healthy when done with sincerity. Jesus doesn't reject questions—he welcomes them from hearts genuinely seeking truth. The passage beautifully distinguishes between institutional religious power and authentic divine authority. While the leaders cling to positions and protocols, Jesus demonstrates authority that comes directly from God.

For us today, this story offers profound comfort. In a world of competing voices claiming authority, Jesus stands unique. His authority isn't just in teaching or healing, but in his power to forgive sins and transform lives. When we acknowledge his divine authority, we open ourselves to genuine spiritual growth. Take time today to reflect on what it means to fully trust Jesus' authority in your life. Is there an area where you're still holding back? What might change if you embraced his leadership completely?

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Chapters

00:31 - Welcome to Wisdom for the Day

00:55 - Questioning Authority Introduction

01:04 - Mark 11:27-33 Scripture Reading

01:54 - Lauren's Reflection on Authority

03:19 - Closing Prayer and Sign-off

Transcript
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Welcome to Wisdom for the Day, your daily source for spiritual refreshment and guidance.

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I'm Rick.

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Join me as I dive into God's Word to find clarity and strength for life's challenges.

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Let me help you embrace each day with faith and wisdom, Ready to feel inspired.

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Let's get started.

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And now.

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Weekends with Lauren.

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Today is Day 103, questioning Authority.

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We'll be in Mark, chapter 11, verses 27 through 33 from the New Living Translation.

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Again, they entered Jerusalem.

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As Jesus was walking through the temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law and the elders came up to him.

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They demanded by what authority are you doing all these things?

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Who gave you the right to do them?

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I'll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question.

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Jesus replied Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven or was it merely human?

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Answer me, they talked it over among themselves.

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If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe John.

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But do we dare say it was merely human?

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For they were afraid of what the people would do because everyone believed that John was a prophet.

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So they finally replied we don't know.

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And Jesus responded then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things.

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This is so good.

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This is a Sunday episode of Weekends with Me, lauren.

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Today's passage is pretty interesting because the religious leaders, chief priests, teachers and elders challenge Jesus, but not because they really want to learn.

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They're actually just trying to trap him.

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Honestly, it's kind of sad.

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They had the chance to ask real questions, but instead their hearts were already closed off.

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But here's the good news it's actually okay to ask Jesus, who gives you authority, as long as our hearts genuinely want to know.

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Jesus doesn't get upset with us for asking sincere questions.

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He wants us to seek and understand.

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In a world full of confusing messages and lots of different voices claiming authority, jesus makes it very clear who he is and why we should listen.

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Jesus shows us that his authority comes from God.

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He has the power not just to teach and heal, but to forgive our sins and to give us new life.

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That's a powerful truth to hold on.

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To Take some time today to think about what it means to trust in Jesus's authority.

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Are you ready to fully follow him, trusting that his authority is exactly what your life needs?

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Pray with me, dear Jesus.

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Thank you for showing me that your authority comes from God and for using the authority to forgive and restore.

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Help me follow you with confidence and joy.

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Amen.

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That's all for now.

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Thanks for listening to Wisdom for the Day Weekends with Lauren.

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I'm here every weekend.

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You should be too To listen to past episodes.

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Go to wisdomforthedayorg For free Wisdom of the Day merch.

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Go to buymeacoffeecom.

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Slash renewed mindsets and consider becoming a community member.

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The executive producer for Wisdom for the Day is Kimmy Shirley.

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Quality control engineer is Yelena McClellan.

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Intro and outro music by Weston McCurry Catch me next week, I'm Lauren.

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Intro and outro music by Weston McCurry Catch me next week, I'm Lauren and I love all of you.

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Bye.