Parable of the Two Sons- Obedience and Disobedience

Matthew 21:28-32 ESV

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.  And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.  For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.”

God had sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah. The lost of Israel received the message and repented, but the religious right, as I will call them, were skeptical of John’s message. Christ’s judgment of the Jewish leaders was based on the fact that their traditions and expressions of worship did not translate into actual submission to God.

In this parable, the first son represents disobedience, but eventually he obeys which represents repentance, he followed through with what the father had asked him to do. The second son represented the Scribes, Pharisees and the religious leaders who were typical of lip service. The second son’s lie marks hypocrisy and disobedience to God.

Jesus’s conclusion? “Truly, I say to you (Scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders), the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” Because the lost were willing to repent. Jesus sees and knows what is in the heart!!!

Prayer:

Lord, let our worship of you be innocent and pure, showing our submission and dedication to You! When you call, we will answer. Where You go, we will go. Where You lead, we will follow. In Your service Lord Jesus, Amen!