5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why¹ then did you not believe him?’  ‡

6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, ^afor they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”  ‡

8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: ^a“A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to¹ vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time.  ‡