Mark 11:30

30 The baptism of John: was it from Heaven, or of men? Answer Me."

Mark 11:30 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:30

The baptism of John
The doctrine of which he was the first preacher, and the ordinance of which he was the first administrator:

was it from heaven, or of men?
was it of divine or of human institution?

answer me;
directly and plainly, without any shuffling, or evasion: it is a fair question, and may be answered; and the answer to it our Lord suggests would naturally lead to a proper one to their question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:30 In-Context

28 and said unto Him, "By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority to do these things?"

29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, "I will also ask of you one question; answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John: was it from Heaven, or of men? Answer Me."

31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we shall say `From Heaven,' he will say `Why then did ye not believe him?'

32 But if we shall say `Of men'" -- they feared the people, for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed.