Jesus's response pattern gives us a template: acknowledge the legitimate role (responsibility to teach) while rejecting the authority claims. The papacy has responsibility to teach God's Word but not the authority to determine truth.

Winger's conclusion: Jesus would treat the papacy the same way he treated the Sanhedrin — acknowledge a responsibility to teach God's Word while rejecting the claimed authority to be the official interpreter, the infallible seat holder, and the bearer of unwritten apostolic tradition. "You have a responsibility to teach God's word. You don't have the authority that you claim." This isn't calling Catholics hypocrites; it's saying the institution has overestimated its role. Application for Christians: when you know you're obeying God (based on clear Scripture), you don't need institutional permission. Also teaches wisdom in responding to trap questions — sometimes a question is better than a direct answer.