Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

I think Jesus demonstrates an excellent tactic when dealing with back-stabbing and wicked leaders here: understand their fears and call them out.

Jesus likely knew the Pharisees were political junkies and craved the attention and affection of men. So much so, they assumed Jesus was motivated in the same way.

In John 6, Jesus said to them [the people he was teaching], “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭53‬). This was seen as a hard teaching. Many did not understand or could not receive this teaching. And in John 6:66, it says: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭66‬)

He was not worried about approval from men. He was on mission for God and he knew and anticipated disapproval from many.

And so he called out this hyper-obsession with popularity the Pharisees had with a simple question. Many times, during a confrontation by an enemy, a well placed question can cause them to be self-absorbed in fear and retreat from their assault.

Lord Jesus, you saw into the hearts and motives of those around you and you called them to honesty and integrity. Help me to seek your wisdom and ask great questions too!