Jesus’ Authority Challenged

(Mark 11:27–33; Luke 20:1–8)

23 When [Jesus] returned to the temple [courts] [and] began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”

24 “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “{and} if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 What was the source of John’s baptism? [Was it] from heaven or from men?”

They deliberated among themselves [and] said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered, “We do not know.”

And [Jesus] replied, “Neither {will} I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.