Matthew 21:20-29

20When the disciples saw it, they were astonished and asked, “How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once?”

21Jesus replied to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have faith [personal trust and confidence in Me] and do not doubt or allow yourself to be drawn in two directions, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen [if God wills it].

22And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

23When He entered the temple area, the chief priests and elders of the people came to Him as He was teaching and said, “By what [kind of] authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority [to exercise this power]?”

24Jesus replied to them, “I will also ask you a question, and if you tell Me the answer, then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

25The baptism of John—from where did it come? From heaven [that is, ordained by God] or from men?” And they began debating among themselves [considering the implications of their answer], saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe John?’

26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the [response of the] crowd; for they all regard John as a prophet.”

27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what [kind of] authority I do these things.”

28“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

29And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and changed his mind and went.