1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? 5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? 6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. 8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. (Luke 20:1-8 KJV)
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
In this passage, nothing is added that we didn’t already read in the other Gospels, except in the first verse, where we are told that Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel (Luke 20:1). Christ preached his own gospel. He not only purchased salvation for us but also proclaimed it to us, which confirms its truth and encourages us to receive it.
This also gives honor to the work of gospel preachers, even though the world may despise them. Christ, by preaching to the people, showed that he valued reaching common people and taught them in ways they could understand. While he was doing this, he was interrupted. Satan and his agents always try to hinder the preaching of the gospel to the people because it threatens his kingdom.
His enemies are said to come upon him—epestēsan (Luke 20:1). This word, used only here, suggests that they tried to surprise him with their question, hoping to catch him unprepared, as though he hadn’t considered this issue before. They also tried to intimidate him by confronting him together. But how could he be frightened by human wrath when he had the power to control it and use it for his purposes? From this account we learn:
It’s not surprising when truths that are evident are still disputed by those who deliberately reject the light. Christ’s miracles clearly showed by what authority he acted and confirmed his divine commission, yet this was exactly what was being challenged.
Those who question Christ’s authority will often be exposed when they’re asked about basic principles of faith. Christ answered their question by asking them about John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? This was something even the ordinary people could answer. Everyone knew it was from heaven—it had nothing worldly about it. This simple question left them confused and embarrassed in front of the people.
People who care more about public approval or self-interest often suppress the truth. These religious leaders wouldn’t admit John’s baptism was from heaven, not because they didn’t believe it, but because they feared the people. When men are controlled by such motives, little good can be expected from them.
Those who suppress the truth they already know are rightly denied further understanding. Christ refused to answer their question about his authority because they already knew John’s baptism was from heaven and still refused to believe him or acknowledge the truth (Luke 20:7-8).