Three days later they found Him in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Now the people were in a state of expectation, and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

The scribes and the Pharisees began to consider and question [the implications of what He had said], saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies [by claiming the rights and prerogatives of God]? Who can forgive sins [that is, remove guilt, nullify sin’s penalty, and assign righteousness] except God alone?”

But Jesus, knowing their [hostile] thoughts, answered them, “Why are you questioning [these things] in your hearts?

Jesus replied, “I will also ask you a question. You tell Me:

and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us [a law that] if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife and no children, his brother should marry the wife and raise children for his brother.

And they did not dare to question Him further about anything [because of the wisdom He displayed in His answers].

and if I ask a question, you will not answer.

And he questioned Him at some length, but Jesus made no reply.

Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he began praising and honoring God, saying, “Certainly this Man was innocent.”