Divine Authority

While Jesus entered conflict with religious leaders over his authority, he also revealed significant truth about his mission, God’s good gifts, and our responsibilities. What can Jesus’ teaching, storytelling, and confrontation with religious authorities teach us about God’s ownership, our stewardship, and Jesus’ friendship?

In Mark 11:28, the religious leaders question Jesus about his authority. How would you describe their authority in comparison to the authority of Jesus, considering that the religious leaders “feared the people” in 11:32 and “were afraid of the crowd” in 12:12?

In the parable of the vineyard, the servants who are sent by the owner of the vineyard represent the prophets sent by God. What does His continuing to send them in the face of rejection and hostility say to you about God’s patience? How have you experienced God’s patience in your own life? How have you witnessed it in the lives of others?

Psalm 118:22-23 is quoted in Mark 12:10, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” How can we respond lovingly to those who reject Jesus? How can we do so in a way that influences them the find and follow Jesus?

As believers, we have the responsibility of fruit-bearing stewardship. What does being a fruit-bearing disciple look like today? How does this tie into our responsibility to make disciples in Matthew 28:18-20?

How are you being challenged to accept Jesus’ mission, acknowledge his authority, and honor God by living a life of fruit-bearing stewardship?