23 When He entered the temple , the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching , and said , "By what authority are You doing these things , and who gave You this authority ?" 24 Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one thing , which if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things . 25 "The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men ?" And they began reasoning among themselves , saying , "If we say , 'From heaven ,' He will say to us, 'Then why e did you not believe him?' 26 "But if we say , 'From men ,' we fear the people ; for they all regard John as a prophet ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 21:23-26
Commentary on Matthew 21:23-27
(Read Matthew 21:23-27)
As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief priests and scribes were much offended, especially because he exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. Our Lord asked what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. Many are more afraid of the shame of lying than of the sin, and therefore scruple not to speak what they know to be false, as to their own thoughts, affections, and intentions, or their remembering and forgetting. Our Lord refused to answer their inquiry. It is best to shun needless disputes with wicked opposers.