While studying for my master’s degree I was shown the derivation of many formulae for probability and statistics. The classic ending of the proof was Q.E.D. which means “what was required to be proved.” To know the truth of the formula a logical progression of steps were used to find the answer.
In this reading and the verses preceding it, Jesus has been busy cleansing the temple of dishonest money changers and sellers of temple offerings; as well as teaching the people and preaching the gospel. The response of the chief priests, scribes, and elders is to discredit Jesus by asking a question: “by what authority do you do these things, or who gave you this authority?” Jesus, knowing what was in their hearts and minds, responded by requiring them to answer one question; “the baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?” Realizing that either answer would result in their being condemned by the people, they could only say they could not tell. Since they could not answer, Jesus also declined to answer.
I believe the answer to the above question is both. It was a baptism of repentance and pointed to the coming of the Messiah. When Jesus began baptizing he was forgiving the sins of the individual.
David Harden
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