Mark 11:31

31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'

Mark 11:31 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:31

And they reasoned with themselves saying
Privately; perhaps, they withdrew at a little distance for a short time, and consulted among themselves what answer to return; and the amount of their reasonings were this;

if we shall say from heaven, he will say, why then did ye not
believe him?
that is, should they say that John had a divine commission for what he said and did, they were aware that Christ would reply, why did not ye give credit to him? and had you done so, seeing he testified of me, you would have had no occasion to have put the above question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:31 In-Context

29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John -- was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me."

31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'

32 If we should say, 'From men'"--they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet.

33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."