NOTES for Mat 21:23-27
The Lord permits no evasions by which we might avoid openly and directly professing our faith and our position in life concerning one question or another. Yet we are more inclined to wait for signs from Him, trying to escape responsibility, for if we act or speak in whatever way suits us, all our falsehood will become evident. The elders likewise try to force Jesus Himself to answer His own question about John, secretly hoping to catch Him in something. “We do not know” is a very convenient position; in saying this, the elders continue to wait for some sign from Christ. Perhaps He will say that John's baptism was from God, and then they can accuse Him of being a self-appointed impostor. Perhaps He will condemn John, and then they can find common ground with Him. Christ is speaking with the elders and scribes, but they are not speaking with Him: they are neither communicating nor conversing with Him, but trying to “resolve the problem.” The Lord, however, does not allow this. With Him, only direct and open dialogue is possible.