Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.  Notice in our text there are two very different responses to the actions and teachings of Jesus.  While some are astonished at His doctrine, others are plotting to kill Jesus, because of what they are seeing and hearing.  Jesus was a threat to their religious play house!  Notice… John 7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.  Even today, this rings true.  Take for example the doctrine of salvation.  Some believe that all steeples point up, and all religions point to God.  That may sound good, but… It’s a lie!
Jesus said in… John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  You see, Jesus’s doctrine  is still to this day a divider of men.  What our Lord teaches concerning salvation divides men.  His teaching concerning Heaven and Hell divides men.  Think about this, Jesus hanging there on the cross between two thieves, was a divider of men.  One thief persisted in his speech… If thou be the Christ…
The other turned to Jesus and said… Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
He, in a moment of time, took his place on the correct side of our Lord’s teachings.  When he said Lord, he was agreeing with Jesus that in fact He was the Son of God!  Remember,  this doctrine is why they hated Jesus and why they crucified the Lord of Glory.  Hear this…
Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side?  This world may not know it now, but in the end it will matter whose side we are on.  Amen.  Pastor