The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they were arguing among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
And they sought to lay hold of Him, but they feared the crowd, for they knew that He has spoken the parable against them. And leaving Him, they went away.
for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he was protecting him. And when he heard him, he did many things, but he would hear him gladly.
And the chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on Him that very hour, but they were afraid--for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them.
These things his parents said because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone should confess that He was Christ, he would be excommunicated.