XLVIII. Parable of the Two Sons

The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (the Jefferson Bible), by Thomas Jefferson, [1902], at sacred-texts.com

p. 121

XLVIII.

Parable of the Two Sons.

AND they came again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there came to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

2 And they answered Jesus and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

3 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.

4 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

5 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said I go, sir: and went not.

6 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.