They wondered at his answer, and left him alone and went away.
Remember, I am sending you out as my Messengers like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as serpents, and as blameless as doves.
The crowds, who had been listening to him, were greatly struck with his teaching.
No one could say a word in answer; nor did any one after that day venture to question him further.
Jesus was surprised to hear this, and said to those who were following him: "Never I tell you, in any Israelite have I met with such faith as this!
After this his enemies were eager to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd; for they saw that it was at them that he had aimed the parable. So they let him alone, and went away.
For I will myself give you words, and a wisdom which all your opponents together will be unable to resist or defy.
Yet they were quite unable to withstand the wisdom and the inspiration with which he spoke.
Let your conversation always be kindly, and seasoned, as it were, with salt; that you may know in each case what answer you ought to give.