1. The context of the challenge to Jesus’ authority
One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up Luke 20:1 (ESV)
2. The content of the challenge to Jesus’ authority
2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” Luke 20:2 (ESV)
28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28–29 (ESV)
3. The counter in the challenge to Jesus’ authority
He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” Luke 20:3-4 (ESV)
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16–17 (ESV)
26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:26–27 (ESV)
4. The contemplation after the challenge to Jesus’ authority
And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” Luke 20:5-6 (ESV)
29 When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. Luke 7:29–30 (ESV)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
5. The corruption in the challenge to Jesus’ authority
So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke 20:7-8 (ESV)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (ESV)
11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
1 Chronicles 29:11–12 (ESV)