Mark 11:27

¶ 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 {G2532} they come {G2064} again {G3825} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}: and {G2532} as he {G846} was walking {G4043} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, there come {G2064} to {G4314} him {G846} the chief priests {G749}, and {G2532} the scribes {G1122}, and {G2532} the elders {G4245},

They went back into Yerushalayim; and as he was walking in the Temple courts, there came to him the head cohanim, the Torah-teachers and the elders;

After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him.

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;

Commentary

Mark 11:27 places us immediately after Jesus' dramatic actions in Jerusalem. The previous day, He had cleansed the Temple courts, overturning tables of money changers and driving out those who bought and sold. This act, following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, was a direct challenge to the established religious order. The verse describes Jesus "walking in the temple," indicating His continued presence and teaching in this central place of Jewish worship, which naturally drew the attention and concern of the ruling religious bodies.

Key Themes

  • Confrontation and Opposition: This verse marks the beginning of a direct challenge from the Jewish religious authorities to Jesus' ministry and authority. The gathering of the "chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders" represents the full spectrum of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and political council.
  • Jesus' Authority: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent questions posed by these leaders (Mark 11:28) immediately reveal their concern about the source of Jesus' power and teaching. His actions in the Temple were perceived as an usurpation of their authority.
  • Jerusalem as a Crucible: The events in Jerusalem during Passion Week are intensified by the constant presence of these opposing forces, setting the stage for the ultimate conflict that leads to Jesus' crucifixion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders" is significant. The chief priests were the heads of the priestly families, often aristocratic and Sadducean in their theology, responsible for Temple operations and rituals. The scribes were experts in the Mosaic Law, often Pharisees, who interpreted and taught the Scriptures. The elders were prominent lay leaders, representing the heads of families and clans. Together, these three groups comprised the Sanhedrin, indicating that the highest echelons of Jewish leadership had convened to address Jesus. Their combined presence underscores the gravity of the situation and the unified front of opposition.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that genuine faith and divine authority often face resistance from established powers, especially when those powers feel threatened. Jesus did not shy away from confronting religious hypocrisy or challenging systems that deviated from God's original intent. For believers today, it serves as a reminder to:

  • Discern true authority: Not all religious leadership or tradition aligns with God's will.
  • Anticipate opposition: Following Christ and living by His truth can provoke resistance from those who prefer the status quo or human traditions over divine revelation.
  • Remain steadfast: Like Jesus, we are called to continue our mission, even when confronted by powerful adversaries, trusting in the divine source of our calling. The ultimate question of His authority is taken up in the very next verse.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 21:23 (6 votes)

    ¶ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Matthew 21:27 (6 votes)

    And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

  • Luke 20:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, [that] on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon [him] with the elders,

  • Luke 20:8 (6 votes)

    And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

  • Psalms 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

  • Psalms 2:5 (3 votes)

    Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

  • Acts 4:27 (3 votes)

    For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,