[Doomonyou]

One was “leaders” arguing with Christ, and the other was Christ’s instructions to us.

[rollo tomasi]

John's example was perfunctory buffoonery displayed by the "leaders", yes, but the point was the false objection based on appearances; not in understanding the underlining motives based on God's will. The people who wanted to kill Jesus at the time failed to realize this rational act that Jesus performed.

Irrationality/irrational judgments is a fault everyone has, not just "leaders" which is why "righteous judgment" was stressed. Also, Mathew applied to not only "us" but our "leaders" as well.