Mark 11:31

31 They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ 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 “I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!”

31 They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

32 But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

33 So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”