Matthew 21:26

"The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 21:26, Jesus challenges the religious leaders by asking about John's baptism, drawing them into a complex dilemma. If they say John’s baptism came from heaven, they risk being asked why they didn’t believe him; if they claim it was from men, they contradict their own belief in John as a prophet sent by God. This question reveals the political and religious tensions of first-century Judea, where the source of authority and truth was hotly debated among various factions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 26. We fear the people. They feared that the people would stone them, (Luke.) Such an unpopular sentiment as to profess that all that John did was imposture, would have probably ended in tumult, perhaps in their death. {p} "for all held John" Mt 14:5 __________________________________________________________________

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