Matthew 21:23–27 (GNT)
[23] Jesus came back to the Temple; and as he taught, the chief priests and the elders came to him and asked, “What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?”
[24] Jesus answered them, “I will ask you just one question, and if you give me an answer, I will tell you what right I have to do these things.
[25] Where did John's right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings?”
They started to argue among themselves, “What shall we say? If we answer, ‘From God,’ he will say to us, ‘Why, then, did you not believe John?’
[26] But if we say, ‘From human beings,’ we are afraid of what the people might do, because they are all convinced that John was a prophet.”
[27] So they answered Jesus, “We don't know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you, then, by what right I do these things.”
The chief priests and elders questioned Jesus about His authority. Instead of answering them directly, Jesus responded with a question of His own. He asked them about the source of John’s baptism — whether it was from God or from human beings. At that moment, they found themselves trapped, not because the question was difficult, but because the answer would expose them.
They began to reason among themselves and quickly realized that every possible answer had consequences. If they said it was from God, they would be confronted for not believing. If they said it was from men, they feared the reaction of the people. So instead of choosing truth, they chose safety. They responded, “We don’t know.”
Now pause and think about that response. It sounds harmless. It sounds neutral. It even sounds wise. But in reality, it was none of those things. It was a calculated escape—a way to avoid responsibility while appearing innocent, and it calls us to judge with right knowledge rather than accepting words at face value, learning to discern the intent behind what is said instead of being carried away by how reasonable it sounds.
Let’s be honest — many of us do the same thing. We are asked a question, and we already know the answer. But because of fear, pressure, or the desire to avoid conflict, we say, “I don’t know.” Not because we truly don’t know, but because we don’t want to deal with the outcome of telling the truth.
What Is a Lie?
To understand this better, we need to redefine what a lie truly is. Many people think lying only means saying something completely false, but it goes deeper than that. A lie is not just about false words — it is about intentional deception.
- Deception: Any deliberate attempt to make someone believe what is false, even if your words sound neutral
- Half-truth: When part of what you say is correct, but important details are hidden to mislead
- Falsehood in disguise (Sophistry): When something untrue is dressed up in logic or polished language to appear true
So, whenever you are asked a question and you genuinely know the answer, but you say, “I don’t know,” that is not wisdom — it is deception. It may be subtle, but it is still a lie.
Jesus’ Example
What stands out most in this passage is Jesus’ response. He did not mirror their words. He did not say, “I don’t know.” Instead, He said, “Neither will I tell you.” That response is powerful because it shows clarity, honesty, and control, and it quietly teaches why you should not believe everything you hear, reminding us that not every answer deserves acceptance, especially when it is shaped to avoid truth rather than reveal it.
Jesus knew they were avoiding the truth. He recognized their dishonesty and refused to participate in it. Rather than speaking falsely or pretending ignorance, He chose a response that was both truthful and wise. He showed us that silence does not have to be disguised as ignorance to be valid.
Sometimes, when someone hides behind “I don’t know,” we feel pressured to do the same just to blend in or avoid tension. But when both parties know the truth and choose to pretend otherwise, dishonesty multiplies. What started as fear becomes a pattern, and what should have been truth becomes compromise.
A Better Way to Respond
There is a better way to handle such moments — a way that preserves both truth and wisdom without falling into deception. If you truly do not want to answer a question, you are not obligated to lie.
- “I would rather not speak on that.”
- “I’m not comfortable answering that question.”
- “I choose not to respond.”
These responses are honest. They may feel uncomfortable at first, but they protect your integrity. No one will force words out of your mouth, and no one has the power to make you betray the truth unless you allow it.
Final Reflection
The fear of people’s opinions has caused many of us to twist our words, soften the truth, or hide behind statements that sound wise but are actually misleading. Over time, this weakens our character and dulls our sensitivity to truth.
But the life of Jesus shows us a higher standard — one where truth is spoken with boldness, wisdom, and grace. Not harshly, not carelessly, but clearly and honestly. When you understand this, you begin to see that integrity is not just about what you say, but also about what you avoid saying falsely.
May the life of Jesus teach us how to communicate truth at all times—with boldness, wisdom, and grace, and to grow in defending your faith with confidence in a way that remains grounded in truth while still reflecting humility and love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Here are some related posts that will bless your soul.
- Read the Bible for What It Is Saying, Not What You Want It to Say
- Is It Good to Always Speak Your Mind? Pros, Cons, and Hidden Risks
- InfraDignitatem
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