Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 21:25

"The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him?" — Matthew 21:25 (ASV)

Jesus’ reply is masterly. He responds to their question with a question of his own (v.24), a common enough procedure in rabbinic debate. “John’s baptism” is a way of referring to the Baptist’s entire ministry. Jesus asks whether it was “from heaven, or from men.” Jesus knows that if the religious authorities rightly answer it, they will already have the correct answer to their own question. If they respond, “From heaven,” then they are morally bound to believe John— and John pointed to Jesus ; they will therefore have their answer about Jesus and his authority. If they respond, “From men” (v.26), they offer the wrong answer; but they will not dare utter it for fear of the people.