But Jesus began to tell the people this parable--"A man once planted a vineyard, and then let it out to tenants, and went abroad for a long while.
For it is as though a man, going on his travels, called his servants, and gave his property into their charge.
He said: "A nobleman once went to a distant country to receive his appointment to a Kingdom and then return.
At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants, that they should give him a share of the produce of the vineyard. The tenants, however, beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
"Then I," said Jesus, "refuse to tell you what authority I have to do these things."