The Parable of the Two Sons
Introduction
In the final week of His ministry, Jesus’ authority was challenged
in the temple. The chief priests, scribes, and elders questioned His
right to teach and act (Mark 11:27–33; Matthew 21:23–27). Jesus
exposed their evasion by asking about the source of John’s baptism.
Their refusal to answer revealed hearts that prized position over
truth. On the heels of that exchange, Jesus told the Parable of the
Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32). The story draws a clear line between
saying and doing, between outward show and obedient repentance, and
it explains why humble sinners entered the kingdom ahead of
religious leaders.
Context:
Authority Questioned, Hearts Exposed
The leaders demanded, “By what authority are You doing these
things?” Jesus asked them about John: was his baptism from heaven or
from men? They would not commit because truth would condemn their
refusal to repent. That moment sets the framework for the parable.
John came in the way of righteousness, calling Israel to repentance
and preparation for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1–3). Many
common people received that call; many leaders resisted it (Luke
7:29–30).
The Parable
Told (Matthew 21:28–30)
A father said to the first son, “Go work today in my vineyard.” He
said, “I will not,” but later regretted it and went. The father said
the same to the second son. He answered, “I go, sir,” yet never
went. Jesus then asked, “Which of the two did the will of his
father?” The answer is obvious: the first son. Repentant obedience
fulfills the father’s will.
Who Are the
Two Sons?
Jesus applies the parable to His audience. Tax collectors and
harlots mirror the first son. Their early lives said “no” to God;
yet John’s preaching pierced their hearts, and repentance led them
into faithful action. The chief priests and elders mirror the second
son. Their words sounded respectful, their robes looked devout, and
their traditions carried weight, yet they refused John’s call and
rejected the Messiah standing before them (Matthew 21:31–32). Jesus’
verdict is sober: those once far off were entering the kingdom ahead
of those who styled themselves as guides.
The
Message: Repentance That Works
God’s will is not performed by polite speech or inherited status.
The Father seeks people who turn and obey. Scripture ties repentance
to doing: “Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8).
James summarizes it simply: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers
only” (James 1:22). When sorrow leads to a changed mind and that
changed mind leads to changed behavior, the vineyard gains workers
and the Father’s will advances (2 Corinthians 7:10–11).
Warnings
for Religious People
Religious visibility can hide spiritual barrenness. Public roles,
correct labels, or accurate talk can mask an unyielded will. Jesus
later denounced play-acting religion that polished the outside while
leaving the heart untouched (Matthew 23:25–28). The parable presses
a gracious warning: examine what you actually do with what you know.
The Father’s call still sounds: “Go work today in my vineyard.”
Hope for
Penitent Sinners
The first son offers strong encouragement. A past filled with
refusal does not decide the future. God welcomes those who regret,
turn, and go to the vineyard. The doorway into the kingdom stands
open to every heart that receives the word and obeys it (Matthew
21:31; Acts 2:37–41). Grace meets honesty, and honest repentance
becomes obedient service.
The Parable of
the Two Sons Sermon Outline
Call to
Action
The Father still says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” If your past
answer has been “no,” take courage and go now. Regret can become
action. If your mouth has said “yes” while your feet stayed still,
let today mark a faithful start. Receive the word, repent where
needed, and do the Father’s will in the vineyard of your home,
congregation, workplace, and community.
Key
Takeaways
-
Authority Issue: Jesus’ question
about John exposes hearts (Mark 11:27–33; Matthew 21:23–27).
-
Parable’s Point: Doing the
Father’s will identifies true sons (Matthew 21:28–31).
-
Two
Paths: Empty assent with no
obedience, or repentance that works (Matthew 21:30–32; James
1:22).
-
Open
Door: Penitent sinners enter the
kingdom ahead of pretenders (Matthew 21:31–32; Luke 7:29–30).
-
Immediate Duty: “Go work today in
My vineyard”—obedience cannot wait (Matthew 21:28; Colossians
3:17).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Matthew
21:23–32 — Authority challenged; Parable of the Two Sons
-
Mark
11:27–33 — Parallel authority exchange
-
Luke 7:29–30
— Response to John’s baptism
-
Malachi 3:1;
Matthew 3:1–3 — John prepares the way
-
Luke 3:8 —
Fruits worthy of repentance
-
James 1:22 —
Doers of the word
-
Romans 2:13
— Doers justified before God
-
2
Corinthians 7:10–11 — Godly sorrow and diligent change
-
Matthew
23:25–28 — Warning against outward show
-
Acts 2:37–41
— Repentance and baptism
-
Colossians
3:17; Titus 2:11–14 — Zeal for good works in the kingdom
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
|
The
church of Christ
