Jesus' question struck the Sanhedrin with its unexpectedness. Of course, they had agreed in advance what to ask Jesus and how to answer Him, but they probably did not expect such a question, since they had to consult right there in the temple to answer it.

If we say, "From heaven," then He will say, "Why did you not believe him" (Mark 11

31), when did he bear witness to you about me, calling me the Christ, the Son of God? And then the people will proclaim Him King of Israel and will rise up against Caesar; and the Romans will come and take possession of our place and people. No, you can't answer like that! And if we say that John was an ordinary man, and that there was nothing divine in his words or in his baptism, then how can we not be exposed to another danger: the people are sure that John is a prophet, and can stone us for him, if we give such an answer. It is better to say that we do not know.

And they answered: we do not know from where. With this answer, the Sanhedrin publicly recognized itself as incapable of judging the prophets and giving a guiding opinion of them to the people. If he cannot judge of the prophets, how much less of the Messiah. Therefore, such a Sanhedrin does not deserve an answer to the question posed by it.

"And I will not tell you by what authority I do these things," Jesus said to them.

The Parable of the Two Sons

Then, turning to them, He asked: "Will you answer Me another question? A certain man had two sons, and he sent them to his vineyard to work: one of them refused to go, but then he became ashamed, he repented and went; and the other said, "I am coming," but did not go. Which of the two has fulfilled the will of the father?"