Matthew 21:24

“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.”

Context: This verse is part of a larger passage that recounts an encounter between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. In Matthew 21, Jesus had entered Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. He then went to the temple and cleansed it, overturning the tables of the money changers and driving out those who were buying and selling. The religious leaders, including the chief priests and the elders, questioned Jesus about the authority by which he was acting.

In response to their questioning, Jesus employed a common teaching technique known as a “rabbinic question.” He replied to their question with a counter-question, stating that he would also ask them something, and if they answered his question, he would reveal by what authority he was acting.

This exchange sets the stage for a series of parables and teachings that Jesus would deliver in response to the religious leaders’ challenge. Jesus’ counter-questioning was not meant to evade the issue but to challenge the leaders’ motives and expose their lack of genuine interest in the truth. Jesus desired to lead them to a deeper understanding of the spiritual matters at hand.

The verse highlights Jesus’ wisdom as a teacher and his skillful approach to engaging with his opponents. It also demonstrates his authority, as he is confident in his knowledge and his ability to reveal the truth when the time is right. By using this technique, Jesus challenged the religious leaders to evaluate their own beliefs and actions.