4
The baptism of John, was it of heaven or of men?
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And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we should say, Of heaven, he will say, Why have ye not believed him?
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but if we should say, Of men, the whole people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
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And they answered, they did not know whence.
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And Jesus said to them, Neither do *I* tell you by what authority I do these things.
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And he began to speak to the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard and let it out to husbandmen, and left the country for a long time.
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And in the season he sent to the husbandmen a bondman, that they might give to him of the fruit of the vineyard; but the husbandmen, having beaten him, sent [him] away empty.
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And again he sent another bondman; but they, having beaten him also, and cast insult upon him, sent [him] away empty.
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And again he sent a third; and they, having wounded him also, cast [him] out.
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And the lord of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: perhaps when they see him they will respect [him].
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But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir; [come,] let us kill him, that the inheritance may become ours.