Matthew 21:23-32

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.

30The father went to the other son and said the same thing. This boy answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go.

31Which of the two did his father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of you into the kingdom of God!

32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe. Although you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.