What does Luke 20:2 mean?

This occurs during what is often called "Passion Week:" the days between Jesus' triumphal entry and His crucifixion. Jesus is on the Temple Mount, likely teaching in one of the porticoes. A group of chief priests, scribes, and elders approach (Luke 20:1). These may be members of the Jewish religious council. They're also the type of men who benefit from the vendors and the money-changers Jesus drove out from the Court of the Gentiles (Luke 19:45–46). Elders are lay businessmen and may have hired the vendors. Those vendors would likely pay the family of the high priest for the privilege of selling necessary sacrificial items to pilgrims. Jesus' defense of the devout Gentiles has cost them money.

Now, the leaders want to know why Jesus thinks He has the authority to expel the merchants. Jesus could turn the tables and ask about their own authority. Why do they think they can allow the Court of the Gentiles—the one area Gentiles can come and worship God—to be filled with hucksters who cheat worshipers out of their money?

Instead, Jesus discusses authority in a way that threatens what His accusers value most: public perception. He asks them about the authority of John the Baptist (Luke 20:3–4). They are trapped between affirming John—and therefore Jesus—or risking the anger of the people. So, they pretend they have no opinion (Luke 20:5–7).