Conversation With the Elders.

(Mat. 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33 and Luke 20:1-8).

When the Lord again returned to the temple and as usual began to teach, he was approached by the high priests and elders with a deceitful question: “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” i.e. what right has He got to take charge in the temple — drive the traders out and instruct them. Clearly, this is not a question from individuals wanting to know the truth, but devious questions from hateful enemies seeking to catch the Lord with His words. However, the Lord does not directly answer their devious question, but Himself catches them at their word. He asks them: “The baptism of John — where was it from? From Heaven or from men?” This question of John’s baptisms, simultaneously raised the question of his worthiness as a Prophet and his Divine mission. John had testified about Jesus as being the Messiah, Son of God Who had taken the sins of the world upon Himself. To acknowledge that He was sent by God, would mean that He had to be acknowledged as Jesus the Messiah, and then the question as with what power the Lord performed that which annoyed the Jews, would be answered automatically.

The curiosity seekers were placed in an obviously difficult position. Being aware that the people revered Saint John as a Prophet, they were afraid that the people would stone them if they decide to answer that John wasn’t a prophet. To openly admit that John was a Prophet, would mean the acceptance of his witness about Jesus as being the Son of God. Consequently, they declined to give a positive answer, saying: “We do not know.” The Sanhedrin, which was incapable of carrying out a decision on such an important issue that was subject to its jurisdiction, showed itself to be irresponsible and not deserving of an answer from the Lord. That’s why the Lord responded with: “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” It would have been superfluous to answer, because they obviously knew perfectly well by what authority the Lord acted, yet knowingly continued to oppose this power. All three Synoptics describe this event in complete accord.