2. and spoke to him saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things, or who is it who has given thee this authority?
3. And he answering said to them, I also will ask you one thing, and tell me:
4. The baptism of John, was it of heaven or of men?
5. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we should say, Of heaven, he will say, Why have ye not believed him?
6. but if we should say, Of men, the whole people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
7. And they answered, they did not know whence.
8. And Jesus said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. And again he sent another bondman; but they, having beaten him also, and cast insult upon him, sent him away empty.
12. And again he sent a third; and they, having wounded him also, cast him out.