Matthew 21:24-27

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

²⁴ Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. ²⁵ The baptism of John, _c from where did it come? _d From heaven or from man?" And they discussed it among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, _e 'Why then did you not believe him?' ²⁶ But if we say, 'From man,' _f we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was _g a prophet." ²⁷ So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

1. Cross References
   Matthew 13:54
   And coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?
   
2. Cross References
   Luke 15:18
   I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
   Luke 15:21
   And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
   John 3:27
   John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
   
3. Cross References
   Matthew 21:32
   For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
   Luke 7:30
   But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
   
4. Cross References
   Matthew 21:46
   And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
   Matthew 14:5
   And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.
   
5. Cross References
   John 5:35
   He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
   Matthew 11:9
   What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.