THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS
Mike Johnson
This intriguing parable is recorded in Matthew 21:28-32. At this point, Jesus’ enemies were intensely trying to discredit Him. After their attempt, He presented “The Parable of the Two Sons.”
Verses 23-27 reveal the circumstances surrounding this parable. The chief priests and elders had asked Jesus, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” Jesus pointed out that He would answer their questions if they would answer His. He then asked, “The baptism of John — where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
The chief priests and elders were now in a real dilemma. If they answered “from heaven,” they knew Jesus would ask them why they had not believed John. Also, to have acknowledged John (the forerunner of Christ) would have been to accept Christ indirectly. On the other hand, if they answered “of man,” they would have hurt themselves in the eyes of the people. These cowardly men were unwilling to answer. Jesus then presented the parable and then “cross-examined” them.
Consider the parable (vs. 28-30).
But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.
First, notice the command of the father. His command was impartial since he asked both of his sons to do the same thing. Similarly, God is impartial, which is a concept stated throughout the Bible. For example, Romans 2:11 says, “For there is no partiality with God.” God does not have one plan for the rich and powerful and another different one for the poor and weak. Also, the father in the parable required both sons to work. Similarly, God requires all to work in His vineyard today.
Further, the father’s command was also urgent. He said, “Son, go work TODAY in my vineyard.” In like manner, any command God gives us today is urgent. We should never delay being workers in the vineyard of the Lord since we do not know when Christ will return (Mt. 24:42-44), and we do not have an assurance of tomorrow (Job 14:1-2, James 4:14-15). This parable emphasizes the importance of obeying God promptly.
Consider the reply of the two sons. The first son refused to obey. He very bluntly said, “I will not.” He was very rude, and he did not have proper respect for his father. Spiritually, many people are like this today as they do not even pretend to serve God. They might say, “I am not a religious person,” or “I do not have time for God.” However, the first son repented in our parable and went to the vineyard. When asked by his father, the second son said he would go and work in the vineyard, but he did not go. Many people today say they will serve God, but they never do.
After relating the parable, Jesus questioned those who had been trying to trap Him. He asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The chief priests and elders were forced to respond that it was the first man. Jesus then pointed out, “… Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.”
The meaning of the parable is clear. The first son (whom they had judged as the one who had pleased his father) represents the publicans and harlots. At first, they made no pretense of serving God, but when John came, they accepted his teaching, confessed their sins, and were baptized (Mt. 3:6, 21:32, Mk. 1:14). On the other hand, the second son represents the chief priests and elders (vs. 23) and, more generally, the Pharisees (vs. 45). These people thought they were in good standing with God. However, they had rejected John and were now rejecting Christ, so they stood condemned. Without realizing it, the chief priests and elders had condemned themselves and exalted the tax collectors and harlots whom they despised.
Today, the best-case scenario is to hear God’s commands and immediately and respectfully comply. However, if we do not, it is good to know that we can have a change of heart and abide by the Will of our loving Father, God. As in many areas, it is not how we start that matters but how we finish!