Matthew 21:25

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

The baptism of John (meaning, his whole mission and ministry, of which baptism was the proper character), whence was it? from heaven, or of men? What wisdom there was in this way of meeting their question, will best appear by their reply.

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? - `Why did ye not believe the testimony which he bore to Me, as the promised and expected Messiah?' for that was the burden of his whole testimony.