23
Jesus went to the Temple, and while he was teaching there, the leading priests and the older leaders of the people came to him. They said, "What authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"
24
Jesus answered, "I also will ask you a question. If you answer me, then I will tell you what authority I have to do these things.
25
Tell me: When John baptized people, did that come from God or just from other people?" They argued about Jesus' question, saying, "If we answer, 'John's baptism was from God,' Jesus will say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
26
But if we say, 'It was from people,' we are afraid of what the crowd will do because they all believe that John was a prophet."
27
So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Then I won't tell you what authority I have to do these things.
28
"Tell me what you think about this: A man had two sons. He went to the first son and said, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.'
29
The son answered, 'I will not go.' But later the son changed his mind and went.
30
Then the father went to the other son and said, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.' The son answered, 'Yes, sir, I will go and work,' but he did not go.
31
Which of the two sons obeyed his father?" The priests and leaders answered, "The first son." Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you do.
32
John came to show you the right way to live. You did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. Even after seeing this, you still refused to change your ways and believe him.
33
"Listen to this story: There was a man who owned a vineyard. He put a wall around it and dug a hole for a winepress and built a tower. Then he leased the land to some farmers and left for a trip.