What does Luke 20:7 mean?

The Jewish leaders know Jesus has outmaneuvered their attempted trap (Luke 20:2–4), and they themselves are now caught (John 20:5–6). Rather than face the truth of their own beliefs, they decide to lie. They pretend not to have an opinion about the ministry of John the Baptist.

Those making the challenge are priests, scribes, and elders in Jerusalem (Luke 20:1). They want to destroy Jesus, but not for the same reason as other groups, such as the Pharisees. Elders are non-priests and non-politicians, likely respected and powerful businessmen. The chief priests may be related to Caiaphas, the high priest. Caiaphas is the son-in-law of Annas, the former high priest. Annas may be the most powerful priest of his age, manipulating the system to try to ensure he has a relative in the coveted position of high priest.

This group is probably angry because Jesus' actions have cost them a lot of money. Hundreds of thousands of Jews travel to Jerusalem every year for the Passover. Few can afford to bring the animals they need for sacrifice, so they buy them when they arrive. Likely it was the elders who made it easy for them—and profitable for themselves—by setting up vendors and moneychangers in the Court of the Gentiles just outside the temple. Jesus didn't like that this blocked the way for Gentiles to worship God, so He drove them out (Luke 19:45–46). Not only did the elders lose money, but the family of the high priest lost the gratuity the elders likely gave them.

The critics' aim is to at least convince the crowd that Jesus has no right to do what He has done. They ask from where He received His authority, presumably referring directly to the expulsion of the merchants. Instead of answering "from heaven," which would trigger the attending lawyers to arrest Him for blasphemy, He challenges them to respond to His witness: John the Baptist (Luke 20:1–4). This is not a dodge, but a request for the critics to define what they mean by "authority."

Now, the accusers are stuck. If they say that John was right, Jesus will accuse them of being hypocrites who do not act on John's message: that Jesus is the heaven-sent Messiah. If the religious leaders say John was wrong, they'll not only risk losing the business of the people, but they may also risk losing their lives to a crowd who believes John was a prophet. Even now, about three years after John's death, his following is strong (Luke 20:5–6).

So, the accusers weasel their way out and say they don't know. This is a lie and an attempt to limit the damage being done. Jesus doesn't entirely allow them to escape, however. He follows the conversation with a parable that shows they should fear God's justice more than the crowd's. If they deny Jesus' authority, God will take their authority and their lives.