Authority Questioned
John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” Luke 20:4 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus asks: 'Was John's baptism from heaven or from people?' It's a brilliant question because the answer to it IS the answer to theirs.
John publicly declared Jesus was the one sent by God. If John was from heaven, then so is Jesus' authority. Jesus isn't changing the subject — He's getting to the heart of it.
Jesus asks a question that connects directly to the authority they're challenging.
With one question, Jesus turns the tables completely. The leaders thought they were testing Him. Now He's testing them — and there's no good answer that protects their position.
Jesus asks whether John's baptism was 'from heaven' (ex ouranou) or 'from men' (ex anthrōpōn). This binary question about John's authority is directly parallel to their question about Jesus' authority, since John testified about Jesus.
John the Baptist had publicly endorsed Jesus as the Coming One (3:16-17). If they affirm John's divine authority, they must accept his testimony about Jesus. The question is therefore not a deflection but a direct answer in disguise.
Jesus poses a question about John the Baptist's authority that is strategically linked to His own.
The question about John is really a question about Jesus. John pointed to Jesus; if John was from God, so is Jesus. Jesus forces the leaders to confront the logical chain they've been avoiding.
2“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:
4John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”
5They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
6But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
Read all of Luke 20 — The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. He answers with a parable about murderous tenants that leaves them furious and afraid.
This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.
Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad