Section 6
and they debated among themselves about it, saying, "If we say, From heaven, he will say, Why did you not believe him? But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us to death, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet" (vv. 5-6). Eventually, not having the wisdom to handle the situation, they could do nothing except lie by answering, "We do not know where it was from" (v. 7). Knowing that they were lying, the Lord said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things" (v. 8). This indicates that the Lord knew the Jewish leaders would not tell Him what they knew. Hence, neither would He tell them what they asked. They lied in saying, "We do not know." But the Lord spoke the truth wisely to them, exposing their lie and avoiding their question.
In this incident we can see how base and in sidious were the chief priests, scribes, and elders. At the same time we see how pure, wise, and dignified the Man-Savior is. What a sharp con trast!
EXAMINED BY THE PHARISEES
AND HERODIANS
After the chief priests, scribes, and elders