The enemies of Jesus often tried to trap Him by asking a question. As the religious leaders had been unable to find any evidence which would justify executing Jesus (because He had not committed any crime), they tried to get Him to incriminate Himself. On this occasion, they had asked Him the source of His authority (Matthew 21:23-24). They reckoned that if He admitted again that He had come from heaven then they could accuse Him of blasphemy.
 
But instead of answering, and falling into their trap, Jesus asked them another question. He asked about John the Baptist, whose ministry resonated with the crowds: he had an authenticity about him. Having been killed by King Herod (who earlier imprisoned John for telling him that his marriage to his brother's wife was against God's law), John was now a popular hero-figure. So, with the crowds listening to the debate, Jesus asked if John's ministry was of divine or human origin.
 
The religious lawyers knew that it was now they who were trapped. If they said it was not from God, the crowds would riot against them. If they agreed that God had sent Him then why did they not support His ministry? They would lose whatever they said; they would be made to look foolish and Jesus would be seen to be wiser than them. So they said that they did not know! And so Jesus equally refused to tell them the source of His authority. He would not be trapped.
 
You do not have to answer every question that you are asked. Often, asking another question is a good way of exposing the motives of the other person. Of course, it is not easy to think of the right question on the spot but that is why we trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. Jesus said, in Mark 13:11: "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." The same Lord who gave the wise answer to His accusers, can give you the right words to present to your accusers too. Trust Him to do it today. And do not forget to give Him thanks and glory.