28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)
The Parable of the Two Sons
As Christ instructed his disciples with parables to make teachings clearer, he also used them to reprove his adversaries, leading them to unwittingly condemn themselves. This is evident in Matthew 21:28, where Christ begins with, “But what do you think?”
The parable of the two sons sent to work in the vineyard illustrates that those who rejected John’s baptism were shamed by publicans and harlots who accepted it. It presents two kinds of people: those who act better than they promise, represented by the first son, and those who promise better than they act, represented by the second.
Both sons had the same father, signifying God as the common Father of all mankind (Malachi 2:10). They received the same command: “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” This highlights that God calls his children to labor in his service, which is both a privilege and a duty. The gospel call requires immediate obedience (Hebrews 12:5), as there is no time for delay (John 9:4). The Father’s command is authoritative yet affectionate (Psalm 103:13-14; Malachi 3:17).
The sons responded differently. The first refused outright, saying, “I will not.” This reflects the corruption of human nature, where many reject God’s call due to love for ease or worldly distractions (Psalm 104:26). However, he later repented and obeyed. His repentance was genuine, shown by his changed actions (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Timothy 1:16). God, in his mercy, accepts those who turn from their disobedience.
The second son was respectful in speech, saying, “I go, sir,” but did not follow through (Jeremiah 3:22; Psalm 27:8). Many make professions of faith without true commitment (Matthew 23:3). They may have good intentions but falter when faced with sacrifice. The Pharisees exemplified this (Psalm 78:36).
Christ asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” (Matthew 21:31). Though both had faults, the first was preferred because actions speak louder than words. This aligns with Ezekiel 18:21-24—those who repent are accepted, while those who turn from righteousness are rejected.
Applying the parable, Christ reproved the chief priests and elders. The publicans and harlots, initially wayward, believed John, while the religious leaders, though professing righteousness, rejected him (Luke 7:29). This mirrors the Gentiles who embraced the gospel, while the Jews, despite their initial commitment (Exodus 24:7; Joshua 24:24), ultimately rejected it (Psalm 78:36).
John’s baptism was evidently from heaven, as he came “in the way of righteousness,” teaching repentance and exemplifying holiness (Matthew 11:21). His success among sinners validated his mission (1 Corinthians 9:2). Yet, the religious leaders, seeing even notorious sinners repent, remained unmoved (Romans 11:14). Their pride prevented them from following God, even when shown the way (Psalm 10:4).