Luke 20:7 – So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the religious leaders finally respond to Jesus’ question about John the Baptist’s authority, but their answer is a dishonest one. When Jesus asked whether John’s baptism was from heaven or of human origin, they refused to commit to an answer and instead claimed ignorance. Their response was not because they genuinely didn’t know but because they were trapped in a dilemma. If they admitted John’s authority came from heaven, they would expose their failure to believe him. If they said it was of human origin, they feared the people, who believed John was a prophet.
This answer reveals their true motives—they were not interested in seeking the truth or acknowledging God’s work. Their only concern was protecting their own image and authority. By saying, “We don’t know,” they avoided immediate consequences but exposed their spiritual blindness and unwillingness to submit to God.
Historical Context
The religious leaders—chief priests, scribes, and elders—were responsible for guiding the people in spiritual matters, but their leadership had become corrupted by a desire for power and control. John the Baptist had been a well-known and respected figure among the common people, who saw him as a prophet sent by God. However, the religious leaders rejected John’s message of repentance and his testimony about Jesus (Luke 7:29-30).
This encounter occurred during Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem, after He had cleansed the temple and openly challenged the religious leaders’ authority. Tensions were high, and the leaders were desperate to discredit Jesus without losing favor with the people. Their answer, “We don’t know,” reflects the political tightrope they were trying to walk.
Theological Implications
This verse demonstrates the consequences of rejecting God’s truth. The religious leaders’ refusal to answer Jesus’ question wasn’t just a matter of political strategy—it was a symptom of their spiritual pride and blindness. They were unwilling to admit their error in rejecting John and, by extension, Jesus. Their dishonesty shows how far they were willing to go to protect their own status, even if it meant lying or avoiding the truth.
Theologically, this moment highlights the importance of humility and a willingness to accept God’s authority. When people prioritize their own pride or reputation over God’s truth, they become spiritually blind and miss out on the blessings of obedience.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s narrative builds to a moment of tension and resolution with this verse. The leaders’ response, “We don’t know,” is anticlimactic in one sense but highly revealing in another. Their failure to answer exposes their lack of integrity and their inability to confront the truth.
The structure of the conversation reflects a pattern in the Gospels where Jesus turns the tables on those who try to challenge Him. The leaders had hoped to trap Jesus, but He trapped them instead by forcing them to confront their rejection of John and their lack of faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 7:29-30 – The people accepted John’s message, but the religious leaders rejected God’s purpose for them by rejecting John’s baptism.
- Matthew 21:27 – The parallel account where the religious leaders give the same answer, “We don’t know,” revealing their fear of being exposed.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – A reminder to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him rather than relying on human understanding.
- John 12:42-43 – Some leaders believed in Jesus but were too afraid to confess it publicly because they valued human approval more than God’s.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of honesty and humility when approaching God’s truth. The religious leaders refused to admit what they knew deep down because it would have meant confessing their mistakes and changing their ways. As believers, we are called to be honest with ourselves and with God, even when it’s uncomfortable.
This verse also warns against the danger of spiritual pride. When we prioritize our reputation or comfort over obedience to God, we risk missing out on His truth and blessings. It’s important to ask ourselves: Are we willing to admit when we’re wrong and submit to God’s correction?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His patience, even with those who reject Him. Despite their dishonesty and opposition, Jesus continued to engage with the religious leaders, giving them opportunities to repent. This reflects God’s desire for all people to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s love is also evident in how He reveals the truth. He doesn’t force people to believe, but He provides them with opportunities to see and accept His work. The religious leaders had witnessed John the Baptist’s ministry and Jesus’ miracles, but their hearts were hardened. Even so, God’s love remained constant.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus’ role as the ultimate authority and revealer of truth. The religious leaders’ inability to answer His question highlights their rejection of both John and Jesus. John had testified that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:29-34), but the leaders rejected that testimony because it didn’t fit their expectations or protect their power.
After His resurrection, Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). This verse foreshadows the religious leaders’ continued rejection of His authority, which would ultimately lead to His crucifixion. However, their rejection didn’t stop God’s plan—through His death and resurrection, Jesus would fulfill God’s purpose of salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the religious leaders were unwilling to admit the truth about John’s authority?
- How does spiritual pride prevent people from seeing and accepting God’s truth today?
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been reluctant to admit the truth because it’s uncomfortable or challenging?
- What can we learn from the religious leaders’ fear of public opinion, and how can we avoid making the same mistake?
- How does understanding Jesus’ authority help you trust Him more, even when others reject Him?