5 They argued about this, saying, “If we answer, ‘John’s baptism was from God,’ Jesus will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
6 But if we say, ‘It was from other people,’ all the people will stone us to death, because they believe John was a prophet.”
7 So they answered that they didn’t know where it came from.
8 Jesus said to them, “Then I won’t tell you what authority I have to do these things.”
9 Then Jesus told the people this story: “A man planted a vineyard and leased it to some farmers. Then he went away for a long time.
10 When it was time for the grapes to be picked, he sent a servant to the farmers to get some of the grapes. But they beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed.
11 Then he sent another servant. They beat this servant also, and showed no respect for him, and sent him away empty-handed.