Lesson 2
August 13, 2025
By what authority do you do these things?
Mark 11:28 (ESV) 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”
Adapted from Polishing the Pulpit, Branson 2025, presented by Cliff Goodwin
Class Overview
By what authority do you do these things?
By what authority do you do these things?
Class Overview & Summary
By What Authority Do You Do These Things? (Mark 11:28)
- The resurrection is the defining event that affirms Jesus' supreme authority over all things.
- Jesus' authority is comprehensive, extending over heaven and earth, the spiritual realm, and especially the church.
- All church actions, worship, and practices must be grounded in the teachings and authority of Christ found in Scripture.
- True faith requires a personal response of submission to Jesus' authority through belief, repentance, confession, and baptism.
Jesus explicitly states, "All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). This underscores the comprehensive scope of His authority and our need to submit to it.
The Question of Authority
When Jesus cleansed the temple, taught the people, and healed the sick, His actions were unprecedented. The Jewish leaders, witnessing these deeds and hearing the people's praise, challenged Him directly: "By what authority do you do these things?" Their question was not just about His actions, but about His identity. They were essentially asking, "Who do you think you are?"
The Resurrection: The Ultimate Proof
The ultimate proof of Jesus' authority is His resurrection from the dead. Peter's first sermon in Acts 2 asserts that it was impossible for death to hold Jesus. Paul's teachings in Acts 17 and Romans 1 directly link Jesus' authority to His resurrection, declaring it the definitive evidence of His divine sonship and His right to be the judge of all humanity.
The Scope of Jesus' Authority
The authority of Jesus is absolute and all-encompassing. It is superior to all other powers, including angels in the spiritual realm. His authority extends globally and is the foundation for the church, of which He is the sole head and guide (Ephesians 1:22-23). Therefore, all church doctrines and practices must be based on His teachings. The only exception to His authority is God the Father, who is the ultimate source from which Jesus' authority was given (1 Corinthians 15:25-27).
A Call to Submission
Understanding Jesus' authority demands a personal response. The sermon calls every listener to submit to this authority by placing their faith in Him, repenting of their sins, confessing Him as Lord, and being baptized. For those who have already done so but have strayed, it is a call to realign their lives with His will. We are urged to self-examine regularly, ensuring our lives and our worship are in full submission to the doctrine and authority of Christ, because final judgment is assured.
(coming soon) Handout - By What Authority Do You Do These Things?
Video for By What Authority Do You Do These Things?
(coming soon) Study Game and Interactive Study Questions
By What Authority Do You Do These Things?
September 4, 2025 - 2:19 PM UTC
Central Idea
Effective Communication Strategies in Remote Work Environments
Key Points
- Clear communication protocols are essential for remote team success
- Regular check-ins and structured meetings improve team cohesion
- Digital tools and platforms must be standardized across the organization
- Time zone considerations require flexible scheduling approaches
- Documentation and knowledge sharing prevent information silos
Key Takeaways
- Implement daily stand-up meetings for better team alignment
- Use collaborative platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar tools
- Establish clear response time expectations for different communication channels
- Create comprehensive onboarding processes for remote employees
- Regular feedback sessions help maintain team morale and productivity