Mark 11:31

31 So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, `Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, `Why then did you not 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 "And I will put a question to you," replied Jesus; "answer me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 John's Baptism--was it of Heavenly or of human origin? Answer me."

31 So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, `Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, `Why then did you not believe him?'

32 Or should we say, `human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." "Nor do I tell you," said Jesus, "by what authority I do these things."