Mateus 21

Mateus 21

Utley - Jesus often used this second-question technique when dealing with those who tried to trick or trap Him (cf. Mk 2:6–9, 19, 25–26; 3:23–24; 10:3, 37–39; 12:14–16). He would be open with them if they would be open to Him (cf. v. 33).") Akin - Jesus would have been a masterful chess player without a doubt. He brilliantly makes a counter move in verses 29-30 by asking the representative delegation from the Sanhedrin a question, ―Jesus said to them, ―I will ask you one question [lit. ―one word‖]; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.‖ Jesus‘ counter-question was a common debating technique among rabbis in that day. And, it exposed their heart and motives. Jesus says let‘s look at the evidence of the one who paved the way for my coming and with whom I closely aligned myself: the ministry of John the Baptist. Interestingly, those who come to Jesus with hostile intentions never receive a direct or straight answer. Oh, they get a response, but it is one that forces them to think and reason. This is reinforced in our text as Jesus twice commands them, ―answer me‖ (v. 29, 30). This ―sharp demand‖ for an answer is found only in Mark. The implication is they lack the courage to give an honest answer.