Matthew 21:20-29

20When the disciples saw it they were amazed, saying, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

21Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

22And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive.”

23Now after Jesus entered the temple courts, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

24Jesus answered them, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.

25Where did John’s baptism come from? From heaven or from people?” They discussed this among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’

26But if we say, ‘From people,’ we fear the crowd, for they all consider John to be a prophet.”

27So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

28“What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

29The boy answered, ‘I will not.’ But later he had a change of heart and went.