Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 20:1-8

"And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders; and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was]. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." — Luke 20:1-8 (ASV)

People often pretend to examine the evidence for revelation and the truth of the gospel, when they are only seeking excuses for their own unbelief and disobedience. Christ answered these priests and scribes with a plain question about the baptism of John, which the common people could answer. They all knew it was from heaven; nothing in it had an earthly purpose.

Those who bury the knowledge they have are justly denied further knowledge. It was just for Christ to refuse to give an account of his authority to those who knew the baptism of John to be from heaven, yet would not believe in him, nor acknowledge their knowledge.