After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (cf. 11:1-11), and His display of righteous indignation in purging the temple of buyers and sellers (cf. 11:15-19), “the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him” (v. 18). As per usual, they sought to trap and discredit Him with a question asked in the midst of a crowd of witnesses.

Their question concerning the authority of Jesus was motivated by their knowledge of the “Hosanna[s]” He accepted, and the authority He spoke with in the temple which was their jurisdiction. The presumptuous character of the chief priests, scribes, and elders would ultimately be their downfall as Jesus flipped the script and asked them a question of His own. This was not an attempt at evasive action by Jesus, but a way in which He could extract from them the truth they already knew, or make manifest their hardened hearts.

“The baptism of John – was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me” (v. 30). Jesus’ question concerned the origin of John’s mission, the content of his preaching – therefore the doctrine concerning Jesus as the Christ – and his baptism. Jesus placed the Sanhedrin members on the horns of a dilemma. To say, “From heaven,” would be to affirm Jesus’ authority as being from heaven. Yet, to say, “From men,” would be to stir the crowd against them, “for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.” They decided to answer, “We do not know,” which was simply a cowardly way of dodging the truth they indeed did know. Therefore, Jesus refused to give an answer they already knew themselves, but were unwilling to accept. This followed with a parable concerning their rejection of the Christ (cf. 12:1-12).

NOTE: The attitude of the Sanhedrin members is present with many even today. They know Jesus has all authority (cf. Matthew 28:18). However, when something taught in His word does not sit well with them, they question its validity in the modern world. The real question should be, “Is this scripture from heaven, or from men?” To choose the former would be to confess rebellion to the Divine precept. To choose the latter would be to reject scripture as a whole, including the truths about Jesus. For the internal claim of scripture is that its entirety is inspired of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).