Mark 11:31

31 They talked to each other about it. They said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

Mark 11:31 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:31

And they reasoned with themselves saying
Privately; perhaps, they withdrew at a little distance for a short time, and consulted among themselves what answer to return; and the amount of their reasonings were this;

if we shall say from heaven, he will say, why then did ye not
believe him?
that is, should they say that John had a divine commission for what he said and did, they were aware that Christ would reply, why did not ye give credit to him? and had you done so, seeing he testified of me, you would have had no occasion to have put the above question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:31 In-Context

29 Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

30 Was John's baptism from heaven? Or did it come from men? Tell me!"

31 They talked to each other about it. They said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But what if we say, 'From men'?" They were afraid of the people. Everyone believed that John really was a prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I am doing these things either."