The Lord Jesus was in the Temple, teaching people. However, some religious leaders wanted to debate. He was willing to answer their questions. As the religious leaders who witnessed the Lord emptying the Ananias Bazar from the Temple precincts, the corrupt religious leaders questioned the authority of the Lord. (Mark 11:29-33)
Counter question: The Lord asked a counter-question. It was to help them to think, not to deviate from the discussion.
John the Baptist: If the religious leaders had the right intentions to know the truth, they would have believed John. He came to witness the Light, as these religious leaders were blind and could not see or recognize the light. John also identified the Messiah to the Nation of Israel, stating: This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:6-7; 29) If they reject John the Baptist as sent by God, they will also reject the Lord.
Afraid of people: The religious leaders were not afraid of God, His Word, and His prophets. But they were afraid of people. Common people believed that John the Baptist was a prophet. Though the son of a priest, he ministered from staying in the wilderness, not in the Temple, where the religious establishment worked. Common people had better spiritual discernment than religious leaders.
We do not know: The religious leaders denied knowing the truth. They were not seekers, but truth twisters. They loved to be seen as powerful people of God, but never loved God or heeded His Words.
Fear of God or man?: The religious leaders did not fear God and lacked knowledge and wisdom. For the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Without reverential fear, they were doing ministry or service in the Temple, memorizing the Torah, and teaching people. For them, greater fear was about people, what others think, and self-security. The Bible warns that the fear of man is a snare. (Proverbs 29:25) The Lord Jesus exposed them as hypocrites.
Do I fear, love, and trust in Jesus, who has absolute authority over heaven and earth?