Jewish Rulers Challenge Authority of Jesus

93. Jewish Rulers Challenge Authority of Jesus

In this passage the chief priests, scribes and elders are trying to trap Jesus. If Jesus were to answer that he was given his authority by God, they would attempt to discredit him as a heretic. But Jesus cleverly avoids their trap by setting his own, asking them first to answer the question whether the baptism of John was from heaven or from men – which he knows they cannot answer honestly. Like Jesus, John was well loved by the people; and, again as with Jesus, that popularity helped protect him from persecution. At least for a while.