Matthew 21:27
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
Matthew 21:27
In this verse, the religious leaders refuse to answer Jesus’ question about John the Baptist’s authority. They had previously challenged Jesus’ credentials; now Jesus turns the tables, offering them a chance to reveal their own stance. The leaders’ reply—“We cannot tell”—is not a neutral uncertainty but a deliberate avoidance. They fear the crowd, fear losing status, and fear the implications of acknowledging John’s God-given mission. John had come “in the way of righteousness” calling for repentance; his authority was tied to God’s action, not human lineage or public opinion. By refusing to declare whether John’s authority came from heaven or from men, the leaders reveal their spiritual impotence: they assess signs by self-interest rather than truth. Jesus, in turn, exposes their hardness of heart and their dependence on the external displays of power rather than the internal works of God. The moment also foreshadows the broader rejection Jesus will face: the same authorities who cannot recognize God’s work in John cannot recognize God’s work in Jesus.
This verse highlights the test of legitimate authority—divine vs. human. Jesus is not primarily debating John’s status; he’s pressing the religious leaders to align with God’s revelation. Their failure to decide shows a refusal to submit to God’s messengers, a recurring problem in Israel’s leadership. The exchange underscores themes of revelation, accountability, and truth-telling. It also signals the moral hazard of relying on rhetorical prowess or political expediency rather than obedience to God. Jesus’ response—refusing to affirm their verdict—permits a deeper invitation: to recognize God’s work regardless of comfort or reputation. Theologically, it points to the authority of the one who speaks and acts in alignment with God: if they cannot recognize John, how will they recognize Jesus? This verse foregrounds the option every reader faces: choose alignment with God’s revelation, or persist in self-serving skepticism.
We often dodge hard questions about what we truly believe. Like the leaders, we may prefer not to commit to a stance that wouldcost status or comfort. Ask: whose authority governs my life? Do I submit to God’s work in others, even when it challenges me (like John’s call to repentance), or do I cling to safe explanations that preserve my self-image? Practical steps: journal about areas where you resist acknowledging God’s activity in people or situations; seek to verify truth by Scripture and prayer, not by popularity or factions. When you’re confronted with a “hard question,” pause, pray, and test your conclusions against God’s revelation. Remember that true discernment requires humility and a willingness to be corrected.
Cross-References: Matthew 7:28-29; John 5:33-36; Luke 20:9-19; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Hebrews 3:7-11