The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
The baptism of John — was it from heaven, or of men — was Jesus' counter-question to the chief priests, scribes and leaders when they challenged Him about His authority. It demanded a decision on whether John's baptism, ministry and mission were divinely authorized by God from heaven or derived only from human authority. It tested willingness to accept evidence of Jesus' divine mission by requiring acknowledgment of John's divine authorization.
If they answered from heaven, they would have to explain why they had not believed John's testimony about Jesus as the Messiah. If they answered from men, they risked the people's anger and loss of support, since the people regarded John as a prophet. Their reply that they could not tell was a hypocritical evasion and dishonest refusal to answer. Because they would not answer honestly, Jesus declined to tell them by what authority He acted.
The baptism of John — was it from heaven, or of men — was Jesus' counter-question to the chief priests, scribes and leaders when they challenged Him about His authority. It demanded a decision on whether John's baptism, ministry and mission were divinely authorized by God from heaven or derived only from human authority. It tested willingness to accept evidence of Jesus' divine mission by requiring acknowledgment of John's divine authorization.
If they answered from heaven, they would have to explain why they had not believed John's testimony about Jesus as the Messiah. If they answered from men, they risked the people's anger and loss of support, since the people regarded John as a prophet. Their reply that they could not tell was a hypocritical evasion and dishonest refusal to answer. Because they would not answer honestly, Jesus declined to tell them by what authority He acted.