Mark 11:27-33 ▼

27 Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple courtyard, the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders came to him.

28 They asked him, |What gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?|

29 Jesus said to them, |I'll ask you a question. Answer me, and then I'll tell you why I have the right to do these things.

30 Did John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans? Answer me!|

31 They discussed this among themselves. They said, |If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But if we say, 'from humans,' [then what will happen]?| They were afraid of the people. All the people thought of John as a true prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, |We don't know.| Jesus told them, |Then I won't tell you why I have the right to do these things.|