4. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
5. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him?
6. But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
7. And they answered, that they could not tell from where it was.
8. And Jesus said unto them,
9. Then began he to speak to the people this parable;
10. And at the harvest season he sent a servant to the tenants, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the tenants beat him, and sent him away empty.
11. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
12. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
13. Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will respect him when they see him.
14. But when the tenants saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
15. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
16. He shall come and destroy these tenants, and shall give the vineyard to others.