Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 21:27

"And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." — Matthew 21:27 (ASV)

The equivocation of the Jewish leaders gives Jesus a reason for refusing to answer their question. The Sanhedrin, of course, were required to check the credentials of those who spoke for God. Therefore, they raise the question of Jesus’ authority; Jesus, however, raises the question of their competence to judge such an issue.