201 One day he was teaching the people in the Temple, proclaiming the Message. The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders confronted 2 him and demanded, "Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?" 3 Jesus answered, "First, let me ask you a question: 4 About the baptism of John - who authorized it, heaven or humans?" 5 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, "If we say 'heaven,' he'll ask us why we didn't believe him; 6 if we say 'humans,' the people will tear us limb from limb, convinced as they are that John was God's prophet." 7 They agreed to concede that round to Jesus and said they didn't know. 8 Jesus said, "Then neither will I answer your question."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 20:1-8
Commentary on Luke 20:1-8
(Read Luke 20:1-8)
Men often pretend to examine the evidences of revelation, and the truth of the gospel, when only seeking excuses for their own unbelief and disobedience. Christ answered these priests and scribes with a plain question about the baptism of John, which the common people could answer. They all knew it was from heaven, nothing in it had an earthly tendency. Those that bury the knowledge they have, are justly denied further knowledge. It was just with Christ to refuse to give account of his authority, to those who knew the baptism of John to be from heaven, yet would not believe in him, nor own their knowledge.