# 96 The Parable of the Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32

Introduction: What is a Parable?

   When we open the Gospels, one thing stands out about the teaching style of Jesus: He often spoke in parables.

   The English word “parable” comes from the Greek παραβολή (parabolē).

para = alongside

ballō = to throw, to place

   So literally, it means “to place alongside.” A parable is a story laid alongside a truth, so that the story helps us understand the truth.

  We might say: “A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”

   Think of it this way: if you’ve ever held up two pictures next to each other to compare them, you’re doing what Jesus did with parables. He took everyday stories and laid them next to spiritual truths so that His listeners could see themselves more clearly.

Setting the Scene

   Before we get into the parable, let’s remember the setting. Jesus is still in the temple. The chief priests and elders have just challenged His authority (Matthew 21:23). Jesus, in His wisdom, turned the tables and asked them about John the Baptist.

   When they refused to answer, Jesus refused to answer them directly. But He does something even more powerful—He begins to tell a parable. And He starts by saying,

   “But what do you think?”(Matthew 21:28).

   That question is important. Jesus is not just telling a story; He is inviting these leaders to look into the mirror of God’s Word and examine their own hearts.

   And the parable He tells cuts through surface religion and shows what truly matters to God: obedient hearts, not hollow words.

   As someone once said, “Actions speak louder than words.”

   John the Apostle wrote:

   “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 ESV).

   Now, just before we get into the parable you might want to write down this information. This will be a key to understanding this parable:

· The Vineyard owner is God.

· The Vineyard is Israel.

· The First Son are Sinners.

· The Second Son are Religious Leaders.

   With that, let’s get into the message…

1. The Father and the First Son – Matthew 21:28–29

   “A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.”

  Notice a few things here:

· The father says, “Son” — in Greek, τέκνον (teknon), a term of affection. He’s not talking to a servant; he’s speaking to his beloved child. The vineyard is a family work.

· The son’s response: “I will not.” In Greek, οὐ θέλω (ou thelō)— “I don’t want to.” This is not polite. It’s blunt, rebellious.

   We can imagine the father’s disappointment. Perhaps you’ve been there — asking your child for help and hearing a sharp “No.”

   But the story doesn’t end there. The son later “changed his mind.” The word used speaks of regret that leads to reconsideration. Some regret never goes deeper, but in this case the son’s regret led to action. He went into the vineyard.

   Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Lips that say, “Amen” mean nothing without hands and feet backing them up.” (Tony Evans Bible Commentary).

   Personal Application:

· Have you ever said “no” to God, only to later obey? Many of us can relate. God is not looking for perfect beginnings, but for humble obedience.

· This son reminds us that repentance is possible. Even if we start wrong, we can finish right.

2. The Actions of the Second Son – Matthew 21:30

   “And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go.”

   This son says all the right things. Notice:

He is polite — “Sir.”

He is respectful — quick to say “yes.”

But in the end, he does not go.

   This is a picture of religious posturing — giving the outward appearance of obedience without the inward reality.

   Examples Today

Saying, “I’ll pray for you,” but never actually praying (James 2:15–16).

Singing loudly in worship, but living in disobedience during the week (Isaiah 29:13).

Volunteering with enthusiasm, but never following through.

   Warren Wiersbe put it well:

   “The second son represents the religious crowd that talks much but does little, who says they believe but never truly obey.”

   Personal Application:

· Which are we more like — the son who said “no” but repented, or the one who said “yes” but never followed through?

· God desires integrity between lips and life. Our words in worship mean little if they are not matched by our obedience in daily life.

3. The Actions of the Tax Collectors and Harlots – Matthew 21:31–32

   “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.’

   The religious leaders get the answer right: the first son did the father’s will. But then Jesus delivers the shocking application.

   Tax collectors and prostitutes — the very people despised by society — are entering God’s kingdom ahead of the religious elite.

   Why? Because when they heard John the Baptist preach, they repented. They humbled themselves. But the religious leaders refused, even though they saw lives transformed right before their eyes.

   Spurgeon said:

   “The harlot’s tears are more acceptable than the Pharisee’s pride.”

   Personal Application:

· Self-righteousness is still a barrier today. Many people will miss heaven not because of outward sins but because of pride.

· The kingdom is not about reputation, but repentance.

Conclusion: What Does This Parable Mean for Us?

Jesus’ parable gives us three takeaways:

1. God is looking for doers, not just talkers. (James 1:22)

   “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

2. It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

   “The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

   The first son started in rebellion but finished in obedience.

3. Repentance opens the door to the Kingdom. (Luke 18:14)

   “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

   Augustine wisely said:

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”

   A Final Challenge:

   So, which son are you?

The first son who resisted, but later obeyed?

Or the second son who said “yes” with his lips, but lived a “no” with his life?

   The good news of this parable is that no matter how you’ve started, today you can repent, believe, and walk in obedience to Christ.