Mark 11, The Message
His Credentials
27-28 Then when they were back in Jerusalem once again, as they were walking through the Temple, the high priests, religion scholars, and leaders came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?”

29-30 Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I’ll present my credentials. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me.”

31-33 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe John; if we say ‘humans,’ we’ll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they said.

Jesus replied, “Then I won’t answer your question either.”

Questioning Jesus? 
–Jesus used questions with wisdom to catch the religious leaders in their own devised trap. This was only the beginning of many traps set with petty human questions to try to stump the King of kings.
–What were they thinking to question Jesus? They were driven by arrogant pride of losing their own power to control the classroom of religiosity. Jesus knew when the questions were sincere. When they were not, He stopped the debate.
–Do we arrogantly question Jesus today? With our worry, desire to have control at all times, doubts, fears, lack of knowledge from lack of study of His Word, they way we treat others, with our own selfishness, our pride and the list goes on…?
–Answering, “we don’t know” was the smartest answer they could have given.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We repent of arrogance and pride and humbly ask for you to guide us into Your Word with Your wisdom, insight and understanding. Then help us to live what we know well. May our questions be sincere and not sarcastic. Teach us. Transform our thinking. Thank you.
In Jesus Name, Amen