Mark 11:27-33

Modern English Version

The Question of Jesus’ Authority^(A)

²⁷ They came again to Jerusalem, and as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, ²⁸ and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority to do them?”

²⁹ Jesus answered them, “I will also ask of you one question. Answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. ³⁰ Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

³¹ They debated among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ³² But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for everyone held John to be a real prophet.

³³ So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”

Jesus answered them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”