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 reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why didn't you believe him?'
6
But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that Yochanan was a prophet."
7
They answered that they didn't know where it was from.
8
Yeshua said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
9
He began to tell the people this parable. "A man planted a vineyard, and rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time.