Mark 11:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 11:29
29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Chapter Context
Mark 11 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, creation. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 11:29
29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Analysis
I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things—Jesus does not refuse to answer but conditions His answer on their response. This rabbinical teaching method—answering questions with questions—was common in first-century Judaism. By proposing a question trade, Jesus exposes whether they are genuinely seeking truth or attempting entrapment. His question about John the Baptist's authority will reveal their hearts. If they are honest truth-seekers willing to acknowledge John's divine commissioning, they will have their answer about Jesus—because John testified explicitly that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:29-34). If they are dishonest, they disqualify themselves from receiving Jesus's answer. Jesus will not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).
Historical Context
Rabbinic dialogue frequently employed counter-questions, probing assumptions, and dialectical reasoning. This was not evasion but sophisticated engagement designed to clarify thinking and lead interlocutors to truth. John the Baptist's ministry (circa AD 28-29) had profoundly impacted Judea. Crowds flocked to hear him; his martyrdom by Herod was recent (Mark 6:14-29). John's status remained controversial—the people considered him a prophet; Herod feared his influence; religious leaders were ambivalent. Jesus's question forced them to publicly state their position on John.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's wisdom in answering questions with questions model engagement with bad-faith critics?
- What does this exchange teach about the prerequisite for receiving truth—honest acknowledgment versus intellectual dishonesty?
- Where might you be asking God questions while refusing to act on truth He has already revealed?