Sermon Synopsis
This sermon explores the theme of authority by contrasting human institutions, rejected authority, and the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ. Through historical examples, personal illustrations, and Mark’s Gospel, it shows how religious and political powers challenged Jesus but failed to recognize His divine authority. True authority is revealed not in power or position but in humility, obedience, and faith. The message calls believers to submit fully to Christ, in whom all authority in heaven and earth resides.
Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.
Authority That Truly Matters
Text: Mark 11:27 – 12:44
Introduction: Gratitude and God’s Presence
Good morning. Thank God for this brand new day, and for the wonderful worship, the meaningful Scriptures, and the praises that we have sung. David the psalmist said, “When I awake, I am still with Thee.” And again, “In Your presence is the fullness of joy.”
This verse became very dear to my heart during my recent surgery. As you all know, on July 18 I went for a bilateral hernia repair. Sometimes we need to send our body for repair, but thank God it is not a long haul, and I am almost fully recovered—except that I am now entitled only to a 3 kg hand-carry baggage.
Thank you once again for your prayers and practical support as we continue to press on and endeavor in the task that the Lord has entrusted to our assembly. Let us continue to be found faithful, as we have just listened to the song.
The Chosen Theme: Authority
The text given to me this morning is taken from Mark 11:27 through chapter 12, verse 44. This is a long passage, and it is loaded with many subjects. So what I have chosen to do this morning is to focus on one big idea: authority.
For the rest of the subjects, I leave them to the CP groups or to individual study to dissect and explore in greater detail.
Everyday Authority: For Our Good
Not many years ago, I was rushing and forgot to put a parking coupon. In those days, it was the punch-hole type. I rushed off to have a cup of coffee—my favorite kopi-o—and came back refreshed. But when I saw the white ticket sticking out from my windscreen, oh no, I got a big headache.
But when I looked closer at the fine print, it said it was only a warning, because this was my first time. Suddenly, I fell in love with authority—like the URA or LTA. These authorities are for our good: to protect us, to teach us lessons, not to work against us.
We are familiar with other authorities as well, like ICA immigration. Some time ago, when I landed in New Delhi, the officer looked at me and said, “Hey, you are holding one of the most powerful passports issued by the immigration of Singapore.” Immigration authorities are there to help us.
We also have authorities like the police advising us about scams, guiding us on how to protect ourselves. Then there is the HSA—Health Sciences Authority—especially relevant today as young people are being affected by vaping and related substances. All these authorities are for our own good.
Authority Rejected: The Hippie Movement
Now, what about authority being rejected? Some of the baby boomers here may recognize this logo. I’ll give you a clue: it was a movement during the early 1960s, during the Vietnam War. Yes—it was the hippie movement.
Affluent Americans grew tired of Western materialism and authority imposed upon them. During the draft period of the Vietnam War, many flocked to India seeking spiritual meaning through Eastern religion and mysticism. India was also seen as a land of freedom, where marijuana use was associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and meditation.
Many went searching for meaning and purpose, especially spiritual meaning.
Two Responses: John Lennon and Keith Green
One iconic figure from that era was John Lennon, who famously sang, “Imagine there’s no heaven, no hell below, above us only sky.” He was deeply influenced by the hippie movement—peace, love, and not war.
But sadly, he could not grasp the authority above. He said, “Above us only sky.” I don’t think so. There is Someone above—the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now contrast that with another young man, Keith Green. He too came to India in the early 1960s searching for spiritual meaning. He fell into drugs and marijuana but was deeply disillusioned. He returned to the United States, was born in New York City, raised in California, and after his conversion, dedicated his life to ministry.
Keith Green (1953–1982) was an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his passionate Christian music. Although he died young at the age of 28, his songs continue to inspire many:
There is a Redeemer,
Jesus, God’s own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah.
Unlike John Lennon, Keith Green found something. He found the real authority. He bowed down and worshiped.
Jesus’ Authority Challenged
Nearly 2,000 years ago, in Israel, there was another great confrontation about authority. Jesus’ authority was challenged by elite religious groups.
Let us turn to Mark chapter 11, verse 27:
“And they come again to Jerusalem: and as He was walking in the temple, there come to Him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, and say unto Him, By what authority doest Thou these things? And who gave Thee this authority to do these things?”
Jesus’ authority was directly challenged.
Who Were These Leaders?
To understand why they challenged Jesus, we must understand who these people were.
Chief Priests
They were the temple authority, often associated with the Sadducees. Their sphere of power was temple worship and politics.
Scribes
They were theological authorities—experts in the Law of Moses—commonly associated with the Pharisees. Their power lay in teaching and interpretation of the Law.
Elders
They were community authorities, associated with both Pharisees and Sadducees. Their sphere of influence was local and social leadership.
Pharisees and Sadducees Explained
The Pharisees were a religious sect, largely middle-class, connected to synagogues and local communities. They were meticulous about the Law.
The Sadducees were priestly aristocrats—wealthy, powerful, conservative. They accepted only the first five books of Moses and denied bodily resurrection, angels, and spirits. They controlled the temple and dominated the Sanhedrin, the powerful council of seventy elders in Jerusalem.
The Herodians, on the other hand, were a political group supporting the Herodian dynasty and Roman rule. Though not religious, they often allied with Pharisees or Sadducees to oppose Jesus.
The Two Questions About Authority
The leaders asked Jesus two questions:
Jesus, though from Nazareth and without rabbinic credentials, challenged their power. His popularity was growing, and the people expected a political Messiah to overthrow Roman rule. Even Peter misunderstood this, rebuking Jesus when He spoke of suffering and the cross.
But Jesus said clearly: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Without the cross, there is no kingdom.
What Sparked the Challenge?
They were questioning Jesus because of what He had done:
The temple had become a religious stock exchange. Scholars estimate its annual income in first-century terms at about USD 500,000—equivalent to roughly USD 170 million today. That explains why they were so defensive.
Jesus’ Wise Responses
Jesus answered them in several ways:
The Widow’s Mite: True Authority Revealed
Finally, Jesus pointed to a poor widow. She gave one mite—the smallest denomination of the time. That single act collapsed all false religious authority. True authority is not power, money, or position. It is surrender, humility, and faith.
Like the widow of Zarephath, like the Syrophoenician woman who said she would eat the crumbs from her Master’s table—true faith submits to Jesus.
Final Exhortation
False authority seeks recognition.
Genuine faith acknowledges Christ’s lordship.
Let us stand together and declare:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
Closing Prayer
Our Father, we come again this morning thanking You for giving us Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He came unto His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet whoever believes in Him—Jew or Gentile—has eternal salvation.
Thank You for reminding us that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus Christ. Help us to be found faithful as we continue to serve Him.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.