ask you a question, only one. And if you give me an answer, then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. When John began
to baptize, was it a work of God, or was it merely something human?” They reasoned out among themselves, “ If we reply that it was a work of God,
he will say: Why, then, did you not believe him? And if we say: The baptism of John was merely something human, beware of the people: since all hold
John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what right I do these things.”

Reflection:

There are different types of authority. It could be
confirmed or taken away. It could be invented and
therefore depends on some myth why he or she comes
to possess such power and authority. Or it could be by
popular acclaim because the people believe it. It comes
from the person’s inner resources. The chief priests,
the teachers of the Law and the Jewish authorities
have derived authority. That is why they are always
insecure with those who threaten their status. Jesus
is a threat. That is why they train their guns towards
Him. They demand that He disclose where He derives
His authority. It is equivalent to our modern practice
of asking credentials to persons who claim to be an
authority at certain fields of expertise. But Jesus does
not make it easy for them. He asks about John’s authority
and they could not answer. For John legitimizes Jesus
having declared Him as the lamb of God. And so they
keep silent. They could not confess the truth because
there is too much that they will lose if they do so.