The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 21:24

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

I also will ask you one thing; λο ìγον ἑ ìνα: one word, question. Jesus does not reply directly to their insidious demand. He might have asserted his Divine mission, and appealed to his miracles in confirmation of such claim, which would have been in strict conformity with the old, established rule for discriminating false and true prophets (see Deuteronomy 18:22; Jeremiah 28:9); but he knew too well their scepticism and malice and inveterate prejudice to lay stress on this allegation at the present moment.

Before he satisfied their inquiry, he must have their opinion concerning one whom they had received as a prophet a few years ago, and whose memory was still held in the highest respect, John the Baptist.

The manner in which they regarded him and his testimony would enable them to answer their own interrogation.

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