The chief priests, scribes and elders were the authorities. They couldn’t just let anyone enter the Temple courts, claim to be Messiah, and stir up the people into a dangerous, revolutionary Messianic fervor: “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority?” they demanded of Jesus. They were supposed to be the authorities. Jesus responded with a story that would explain all that had happened, would happen, and answer their question.
Scripture:  Luke 20:1-19