Jesus' authority is challenged in the temple
The chief priests and elders demanded to know by what authority Jesus acted. He answered by asking whether John's baptism came from heaven or from men, and when they would not answer, He declined to answer their demand (Matthew 21:23-27).
23When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” 24“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’