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The Two Sons

The Two Sons

“What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘My son, go work in the vineyard today.’ “He answered, ‘I don’t want to,’ but later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he answered, but he didn’t go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; but you, when you saw it, didn’t even change your minds then and believe him. Matthew 21: 28-32

Narrative Context

A self-indicting parable

This type of parable isn’t uncommon in scripture. It is a kind of parable that is aimed at eliciting self-condemnation from the hearers. A clear example is Nathan’s parable to David.

Too long, please open your Bible 2 Samuel 12: 1-10

Matthew 21:31 shows that Jesus’ hearers condemned themselves, and verse 32 shows why their assessment was valid.

Opposing Jesus

Starting earlier in the chapter, we see that Matthew seems to have a consistent theme - Jesus was opposed by the religious leaders. This all leads up to this parable, and from Jesus’ concluding statement, we see that the the parable is also themed along the same line.

What does this parable mean?

The parable is a critique of Israel’s religious leaders for not believing in, and responding to John the Baptist’s message - He mentioned this twice.

Jesus was telling them that even though they thought they were insiders in God’s kingdom (due to their positions and responsibilities in the temple), they were truly the ones outside. A rejection of John’s ministry was also a rejection of Him.

Application for our day

A warning against hypocrisy

This parable can be a very good reminder for us to be wary of becoming hypocrites. In God’s condemnation of Israel in the prophets, we see that this is something God accuses them of.

The Lord said: These people approach me with their speeches to honor me with lip-service, yet their hearts are far from me, and human rules direct their worship of me. Isaiah 29:13
“As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One person speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear what the message is that comes from the LORD!’ So my people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Their mouths go on passionately, but their hearts pursue dishonest profit. Yes, to them you are like a singer of passionate songs who has a beautiful voice and plays skillfully on an instrument. They hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Ezekiel 33: 30-32

We have to hold James’ words close to our hearts.

Too long, please open your Bible James 1: 22-26
Too long, please open your Bible James 2:14-26

Jesus gives us the litmus test for self-checking with regards to our love for Him

“If you love me, you will keep my commands. John 14:15

We must also listen to John’s admonitions

If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1: 6-7
The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2: 9-11
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15
Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. 1 John 3:16-17

Religious engagement is not enough. We have to make sure that our lives are in alignment with what we profess, else we slip into hypocrisy.

An admonition to persevere

We should also keep in mind that our saying “yes” to God has to be a continuous, ongoing reality for us. An initial acceptance is not always an ultimate acceptance. Jesus helps us understand this

Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23

We must rest in the fact that God’s grace is inexhaustible and we can also call out to Him for help knowing fully well that He will answer.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4: 14-16

An admonition to persevere

In conclusion, this parable encourages an integrity of life before God. We must seek to please God in word and deed.