to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Analysis & Commentary
I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things—Jesus does not refuse to answer but conditions His answer on their response. This rabbinical teaching method—answering questions with questions—was common in first-century Judaism. By proposing a question trade, Jesus exposes whether they are genuinely seeking truth or attempting entrapment. His question about John the Baptist's authority will reveal their hearts. If they are honest truth-seekers willing to acknowledge John's divine commissioning, they will have their answer about Jesus—because John testified explicitly that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:29-34). If they are dishonest, they disqualify themselves from receiving Jesus's answer. Jesus will not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).
Historical Context
Rabbinic dialogue frequently employed counter-questions, probing assumptions, and dialectical reasoning. This was not evasion but sophisticated engagement designed to clarify thinking and lead interlocutors to truth. John the Baptist's ministry (circa AD 28-29) had profoundly impacted Judea. Crowds flocked to hear him; his martyrdom by Herod was recent (Mark 6:14-29). John's status remained controversial—the people considered him a prophet; Herod feared his influence; religious leaders were ambivalent. Jesus's question forced them to publicly state their position on John.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus's wisdom in answering questions with questions model engagement with bad-faith critics?
What does this exchange teach about the prerequisite for receiving truth—honest acknowledgment versus intellectual dishonesty?
Where might you be asking God questions while refusing to act on truth He has already revealed?
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Analysis & Commentary
I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things—Jesus does not refuse to answer but conditions His answer on their response. This rabbinical teaching method—answering questions with questions—was common in first-century Judaism. By proposing a question trade, Jesus exposes whether they are genuinely seeking truth or attempting entrapment. His question about John the Baptist's authority will reveal their hearts. If they are honest truth-seekers willing to acknowledge John's divine commissioning, they will have their answer about Jesus—because John testified explicitly that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:29-34). If they are dishonest, they disqualify themselves from receiving Jesus's answer. Jesus will not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).