Ver. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. ] Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.
5
They discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, "From heaven,' he will say, "Why did you not believe him?'
6
But if we say, "Of human origin,' all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet."
7
So they answered that they did not know where it came from.
8
Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
9
He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.