Jesus’ Authority Challenged

(Matthew 21:23–27, Mark 11:27–33)

One day [as Jesus] was teaching the people in the temple [courts][fn] and proclaiming the gospel, the priests[fn] and scribes, together with the elders, came up [to Him]. 2 “Tell us,” they said“by what authority are You doing these things, [and] who gave You this authority?”

3 

vvv“I will also ask you one question,[fn]” [Jesus] replied“Tell Me: 4 John’s baptism — was it from heaven, or from men?”

5 

They deliberated among themselves [and] said,“If we say,‘From heaven,’ He will ask,‘Why[fn] vvv did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say,‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced [that] John was a prophet.”

7 

So they answered [that] vvv they did not know where [it was] from.

8 

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

9