Jesus had been confronted by the chief priests and the scribes along with the elders in the temple.  There was a crowd around Jesus who had been listening to Him teach. 
  These confrontational men asked Jesus “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?” (Luke 20:2)

  Then Jesus asked them a question instead of answering their accusatory question.
(NASB) Luke 20:4 “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”

  They huddled together and saw their dilemma in answering His question…if we say that John the Baptist’s authority was from heaven, why didn’t we believe him?  If we say that John’s authority was from men, the people will stone us to death, for they believe that he was a prophet sent from God.  (Luke 20:5-6)

  So what was their response?
(NIV) Luke 20:7 “…‘We don’t know where it was from.’”

  And the response of Jesus to the original question?
(NASB) Luke 20:8 “…‘Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’”

  If Jesus had told those confrontational skeptics where His authority was from – they would not have believed Him.  Remember they were out to kill Him.  It was not yet the time for Jesus to die.  Nor was He to die by stoning.  Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 tell of Messiah’s suffering and death on the cross.  God’s plan was being fulfilled, to the very day and hour that He had previously set.  Nothing…no one…would thwart God’s perfect plan of salvation.  And that plan was for you and me!

  Jesus did not answer His critics at that time.  Where did Jesus get His authority for the things He did?  Who did give Him the authority?  Tomorrow’s devotional will address those questions.