The temple leaders ask the obvious question to Jesus, “By what authority do you do this? Who do you think you are?”
Jesus’ answer sheds light on this lesson and something that we need to hear.
The authorities essentially ask for some sort of proof that Jesus has the right to do what he just did and say what he just said. They ask for signs, recalling the wedding at Cana and foreshadowing the next six signs that Jesus will perform during his public ministry. The signs that Jesus performs in and of themselves do not reveal Jesus’ glory. Rather, they point to Jesus’ identity that God wants us to recognize.