What is the meaning of Matthew 21:27? So they answered • The chief priests and elders had pressed Jesus to declare the source of His authority (Matthew 21:23). • Jesus answered with His own question about John the Baptist’s authority (21:24–25). Their debate among themselves exposed that any answer would cost them—either popularity with the people or their own standing with Rome. • By saying nothing until cornered, they hoped to escape commitment, yet their silence revealed hearts unwilling to acknowledge truth—echoing Proverbs 29:25 and John 3:19–20, where fear of man and love of darkness keep people from confessing what they know. “We do not know.” • This claim was dishonest; they had witnessed John’s ministry and its divine hallmark (John 1:32–34). • Their evasive answer fulfilled what Jesus had already taught: “Whoever is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30). Neutrality toward divine revelation is impossible. • Like Pharaoh hardening his heart (Exodus 9:34–35) or the Israelites refusing to enter the land (Numbers 14:11), these leaders chose unbelief. • Their admission stripped them of moral authority—if they could not discern God’s work in John, they were unqualified to judge Jesus. And Jesus replied • Jesus’ response models perfect wisdom: He neither capitulates nor allows them to trap Him (Proverbs 26:4–5). • By reflecting their answer back to them, He exposes their hypocrisy without casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). • His reply embodies Isaiah 11:3–4—Messiah judges not by outward appearance but with righteousness. “Neither will I tell you” • Revelation is withheld from the willfully blind (Matthew 13:11–15). • Luke 23:8–9 shows a similar moment when Jesus stayed silent before Herod; silence is judgment on obstinate unbelief. • This refusal also anticipates Romans 1:24–28, where God gives people over to the consequences of suppressing truth. “By what authority I am doing these things.” • Authority (exousia) in Matthew centers on Jesus as the Son with all power (Matthew 7:29; 28:18). • His triumphal entry, temple cleansing, and miracles all demonstrated messianic authority (Zechariah 9:9; Malachi 3:1). • Yet Jesus will not validate Himself on their terms; true recognition comes by faith (John 10:25–27). summary Matthew 21:27 shows religious leaders dodging truth, Jesus exposing their hypocrisy, and divine revelation withheld from unbelief. Their “We do not know” was not ignorance but refusal, and Jesus’ silence was righteous judgment. The verse warns that evading God’s clear witness forfeits further light, while affirming that Jesus’ authority stands unshaken, awaiting hearts ready to receive it. |
    |