English Standard Version

Matthew 21:26-32 English Standard Version (ESV)

26. But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

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

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

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

30. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go.

31. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.

32. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.