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23. And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?24. And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.25. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From Heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?26. But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.27. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.Matthew 21:23-27?? As Jesus is preaching the Gospel in the temple, the local religious leaders, confront Him, trying to trap Him, if He said that His authority came from God the Father. He cleaned out the temple, of crooks, and robbers, and now taught, those who would listen. Take note that Jesus never taught anything that conflicted with God's word. He asks the leaders a question, that cuts to the root of their opposition. Reasoning among themselves, they admitted, that they did not believe John, and that their greatest fear, was what men would do to them. And because they would not give Jesus an honest answer, He refused to answer their question. If you would hear from God, your inquiry must be honest. Amen.