“By what authority are you doing these things?” While this question was originally asked of Jesus by the chief priests and scribes, the question, as well as the answer, has as much relevance today as it did then.

Whoever said you cannot answer a question with a question is sadly mistaken, for this is exactly what Jesus did. In reply to their question, Jesus asked the question, “The baptism of John—was it from heaven or men?” (Luke 20:1-8). By answering the Lord’s question, the chief priests and scribes would have the answer to their question. They were caught in their own snare.

They knew the correct answer to the Lord’s question, but their reasoning made them realize that if they answered accurately by saying “of God,” they would be exposing their error. If they answered “of men,” they would face the wrath of the people who were persuaded that John the Baptist was a prophet. Finding neither choice acceptable, they chose not to answer. Hence Jesus did not directly answer their question.

Did Jesus ever reject their question as an unimportant one? It was indeed important and he answered it on several other occasions (John 7:17; John 12:49; John 14:10), even those among them knew the answer (John 3:1-2; John 9:33). Nevertheless, many today reject it as an unimportant question.

Take any “religious” practice today, whether engaged in by a church or an individual professing Christianity, and test it with the question, “By what authority?” You will have folks in the same dilemma in which Jesus put the chief priests and scribes. To answer accurately and truthfully, they may have to either openly expose their rejection of God’s teaching in light of their practice or they will have to incur the wrath of the people. Therefore, unless one has God’s authority for what he says and does (Colossians 3:17), it is easier for him not to answer or to belittle those who challenge his practices.

By what authority do you do what you do for Christ? If it is not authorized in God’s word, you are not acting by the faith that saves (Romans 10:17). Therefore, take care how you answer, for it will most definitely have eternal implications.