Jesus' Authority Questioned

1And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

2And spoke unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority?

3And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

5And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him?

6But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

7And they answered, that they could not tell from where it was.

8And Jesus said unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Parable of the Wicked Tenants

9Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it out to tenants, and went into a far country for a long time.

10And at the harvest season he sent a servant to the tenants, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the tenants beat him, and sent him away empty.

11And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

12And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

13Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will respect him when they see him.

14But when the tenants saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

15So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

16He shall come and destroy these tenants, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

17And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

18Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

19And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

Render Unto Caesar

20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who should pretend themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

21And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, neither do you regard any person, but teach the way of God truly:

22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

23But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why do you test me?

24Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription has it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

25And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things which are God's.

26And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace.

Sadducees Question the Resurrection

27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, who deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

28Saying, Teacher, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up children for his brother.

29There were therefore seven brothers: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

30And the second took her as wife, and he died childless.

31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

32Last of all the woman died also.

33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her as wife.

34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

35But they who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

39Then certain of the scribes answering said, Teacher, you have well said.

40And after that they dared not ask him any question at all.

Whose Son Is Christ

41And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

42And David himself said in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand,

43Till I make your enemies your footstool.

44David therefore called him Lord, how is he then his son?

45Then in the hearing of all the people he said unto his disciples,

46Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief places at feasts;

47Who devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater condemnation.