And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

People's New Testament

20:1-8 A Day of Conflict

SUMMARY OF LUKE 20:

Christ's Authority Called For. The Baptism of John. The Parable of the Vineyard. On Paying Tribute to Caesar. The Sadducees and the Resurrection. Christ the Lord and Son of David. The Hypocrisy of the Scribes.

In the temple. See notes on Mt 21:23-27. Compare Mr 11:27-33.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. could not tell-crooked, cringing hypocrites! No wonder Jesus gave you no answer (Mt 7:6). But what dignity and composure does our Lord display as He turns their question upon themselves!

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

20:1-8 Men often pretend to examine the evidences of revelation, and the truth of the gospel, when only seeking excuses for their own unbelief and disobedience. Christ answered these priests and scribes with a plain question about the baptism of John, which the common people could answer. They all knew it was from heaven, nothing in it had an earthly tendency. Those that bury the knowledge they have, are justly denied further knowledge. It was just with Christ to refuse to give account of his authority, to those who knew the baptism of John to be from heaven, yet would not believe in him, nor own their knowledge.