4
The baptism of John -- was it from Heaven, or of men?"
5
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we shall say `From Heaven,' he will say, `Why then have ye not believed him?'
6
But if we say, `Of men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
7
And they answered that they could not tell from whence it was.
8
And Jesus said unto them, "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."
9
Then He began to speak to the people this parable: "A certain man planted a vineyard and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
10
And at the season, he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard; but the husbandmen beat him and sent him away empty.
11
And again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
12
And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.
13
Then said the lord of the vineyard, `What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him when they see him.'
14
But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.'