“And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Mark 11:33 — Greek Interlinear
Church Fathers on Mark 11:33
They were angry with the Lord, for having cast out of the temple those who had made it a place of merchandize, and therefore they come up to Him, to question and tempt Him.
And, indeed, when they say, 'By what authority doest thou these things,' they doubt its being the power of God, and wish it to be understood that what He did was the devil’s work. When they add also, 'Who gave thee this authority,' they evidently deny that He is the Son of God, since they believe He works miracles, not by His own but by another’s power.
They envied the Lamp, and were in the dark, wherefore it is said, 'I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed; his enemies will I clothe with shame.' [Ps 131:17-18]