Show Don't Tell: Matthew 21:23-27

Instead of saying "Jesus silenced his critics about authority," watch the trap spring backwards. Jesus is teaching in the temple courts. The chief priests and elders approach: "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" Temple cleansing, healing, receiving praise—who authorized you? Jesus counter-questions: "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?" Watch them huddle. If we say heaven, he'll ask why we didn't believe John. If we say human origin, the crowd will stone us—they consider John a prophet. They're trapped. "We don't know." Jesus: "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." Their refusal to answer forfeits their right to an answer.