23. And when he was come into the temple, there came to him, as he was teaching, the chief priests and ancients of the people, saying: By what authority dost thou these things? and who hath given thee this authority?
24. Jesus answering, said to them: I also will ask you one word, which if you shall tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
25. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? But they thought within themselves, saying:
26. If we shall say, from heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? But if we shall say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude: for all held John as a prophet.
27. And answering Jesus, they said: We know not. He also said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
28. But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and coming to the first, he said: Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29. And he answering, said: I will not. But afterwards, being moved with repentance, he went.
30. And coming to the other, he said in like manner. And he answering, said: I go, Sir; and he went not.
31. Which of the two did the father's will? They say to him: The first. Jesus saith to them: Amen I say to you, that the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.